A recent study performed by Kaiser Permanente of San Francisco has helped show the effectiveness of a daily regimen of Truvada in the prevention against HIV infection. After monitoring 657 of its clients who were on PrEP over a two year period, the insurer announced that none of the subjects had contracted the virus, reports The New York Times.
The study began shortly after the F.D.A. approved the use of Truvada for HIV prevention in mid-2012 and was completed in February of this year. Dr. Jonathan E. Volk, an epidemiologist for Kaiser Permanente of San Francisco, and his colleagues monitored a group of men who engaged in risky sexual behavior. While the men used fewer condoms during this time period, none of them became HIV-positive.
“This is very reassuring data,” Dr. Jonathan E. Volk stated. “It tells us that PrEP works even in a high-risk population.”
It’s worth noting that Kaiser’s data is based on an observational study, which is not as scientifically monitored to the same degree as clinical trials. For example, Dr. Volk stated they did not take blood samples from the clients to see if they were taking Truvada regularly. The researchers were operating under the assumption that since the men requested to be on PrEP they were taking it as directed by their primary physicians. Clinical trials on Truvada have been done in the past, but since these studies usually utilize placebos, they were halted once researchers decided it was unethical to keep some participants on placebos after PrEP’s effectiveness was proven.
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All but four of the participants in the Kaiser study were gay men, and 84 percent of them reported sexual activity with multiple partners. After six months of being on PrEP, 143 of the subjects were asked about their sexual behavior. More than 40 percent of them stated they were using condoms less, and 74 percent of that group said that their number of sexual partners had not changed.
However, don’t go throwing out your supply of condoms just yet. Even though there were no new HIV infections among the group, half of the 657 participants became infected with syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia within the first year. Dr. Volk observed that the “rates of those infections had begun climbing among gay men even before PrEP became available” since some men began to engage in the practice of serosorting — engaging in condomless sex only with men of the same HIV status as themselves. He also noted that HIV-negative men who agreed to condomless sex with positive men who were undetectable due to a regimen of antiretroviral drugs were also at risk of an increased exposure to STIs as well.
1EqualityUSA
one of the most effective ads I ever saw showed this guy up close with crusty lesions bubbling up on his face. Below, the caption read, “If hepatitis showed on your face, would you get treatment faster.” Where your raincoats, boys.
Morgan Foxworth
And how many insurances will cover it?
barkomatic
@1EqualityUSA: So, are you saying that guys should avoid using a drug that protects them from getting a serious and possibly lethal infection of HIV so that they don’t get a non-lethal STD that is easily treatable and in fact has a vaccine for a few variants?
SportGuy
@1EqualityUSA: Exactly! Most of these guys who are using this are barebacking and contracting std’s and making the strains stronger and more resistant to antibiotics. I will always use condoms because it protects against HIV and std’s. If a guy says he is on this and that we can bb I instantly write him off.
1EqualityUSA
barkomatic, raincoats, all around. Take your pills n potions, but wrap your unit too. Livers are valuable.
1EqualityUSA
I meant “wear” your raincoats. This was a fly-by, taking breaks from cleaning house.
Gothrykke
What are the side effects of taking this pill? All chemicals have side effects, they’re just a product of the game. I’ve heard only one person actually mention having any, and they were terrible reactions.
And a 50% infection rate of STDs is nothing to fucking crow about. So, it prevented HIV, how nice for you. You can still die from half a dozen other STDs the little blue pill doesn’t prevent. 1 step forward, 16 back.
Xzamilio
@barkomatic: Where did he say that?
Peter McKinney
So I can take PrEP daily and have as much unprotected sex as I want and I won’t get HIV/AIDS?
David Red
If only it were affordable. My insurance does not cover it.
Dennis Sandoval
You can still catch other std’s!
Brian
An insurer is not somebody on whom I’d rely for conclusions about scientific findings. PrEP is for losers.
Bob LaBlah
” For example, Dr. Volk stated they did not take blood samples from the clients to see if they were taking Truvada regularly. ”
That important omission is why I would take away their funding. This “study” is useless without proof the drug was taken daily and they know it. And one more thing. It seems hard to believe more attention wasn’t paid to the guys who admitted that they barebacked. Those are the people who should have been targeted in this study to see if Truvada is as effective as they want to say it is. I bet it isn’t.
The idea is to come up with a drug that prevents the disease altogether. We all know wearing condoms is the safe bet (although they do break) so why bother with those who are non-HIV positive but wear condoms and focus on the ones who bareback but aren’t HIV positive first. That seems to make more sense.
Gus Anderson
So they found a vaccine for AIDS, it comes in a pill that you take every day for the rest of your life and it only costs $1,300 a month, every month, for the rest of your life. Let’s screw like it is 1978.
Glücklich
I’m checking into it at my next physical. The downside seems to be increased frequency of doctor visits.
Glücklich
@Morgan Foxworth:
Most all private insurers cover it *depending on your particular plan*.
Giancarlo85
Truvada… seems like an excuse to continue to engage in reckless behavior.
Stache99
@1EqualityUSA: Actually hepatitis will show up on your face too.
Stache99
Honestly, I’d prefer listening to those on it and their experiences instead of the usual peanut gallery from anyone with an opinion who screams to be heard. We already know your moral objections since it’s the usual characters on this here blog.
Giancarlo85
The peanut gallery? So these guys bareback with multiple men while on Truvada? Do they realize there are other STDS out there?
Nate Topaha
Use a condom, dumb fucks!
jwtraveler
@barkomatic: Yes, it’s great that Truvada prevents HIV infection, but apparently men need to be reminded that HIV is not the only risk of unprotected sex. A 50% STD infection rate is a serious public health concern. And we should also consider the fact that we don’t know what new deadly virus might come along and start ravaging our community at some time in the future. The bottom line is that if you’re going to be a whore (and I use that word without judgment), you owe it to yourself and your partners to do whatever you can to prevent the transmission of diseases, known and unknown. Use Truvada and condoms too.
Giancarlo85
http://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/arg/default.htm
There is gonorrhea and syphillis that are both developing high drug resistance. Consider these facts before barebacking… and thinking truvada will protect you. There are other dangerous STIs/STDs out there.
Gourmandises
All of you people railing against Prep need to remember that you can still get gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis from having oral sex without a condom or kissing.
Giancarlo85
@Gourmandises: You’re at a greater risk if you bareback.
blasted
@barkomatic: HIV isn’t “lethal”, HIV does not kill people, you should at least do your research before trying to sound smart. People die of complication as a result of HIV attacking their immune systems.
“HPV can cause cancer of the penis, anus, cervix or throat. Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C are serious diseases that can result in long-term health problems and even death.” –
By Lisa Scheidelman, Epidemiologist, U.S. Army Public Health Command http://www.army.mil/article/99710/
Derp… Please someone educate these people…
BigG
@Gourmandises: I’m sure most would rather have those verses HIV
onthemark
This does not pretend to be a rigorous scientific study, just an observation by the leading SF insurer that PrEP does indeed work. These were very high-risk clients of the insurer who specifically asked for Truvada and got it and therefore, “presumably” (quote) took it as directed. No more, but certainly no less, and it’s good news.
Yeah, it’s always a good idea to CLICK ON THE LINK with any HIV story here. But I realize that’s too hard for most of the Queerty “peanut gallery” moralizers.
Nobody is claiming that PrEP is for everyone, it’s mostly for the very high-risk types who are already ignoring your moralizing. But also, on the opposite side of the spectrum, it’s great for sero-discordant couples (who I guess are also ignoring your moralizing since the HIV-negative guy is not running away screaming in terror!!!).
Btw there is already a vaccine for Hep B but a lot of you seem totally unaware of this news.
Arcamenel
You know what works just as well and is cheaper? Not having unprotected sex and getting tested regularly.
Glücklich
@onthemark:
Excellent post.
I ignore the moralizing. I minimize risk in ways that work for me yet still allow me to have a satisfying sex life.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: Who is moralizing? Some people act as if HIV is the only disease out there.
There may be a vaccine for Hep B, but the medication we have for syphilis and gonorrhea is starting to be rendered ineffective because there are strains that are becoming increasingly drug resistant. I guess you’re unaware of that.
Bauhaus
My current situation is not one in which Truvada would benefit me. I would consider taking Truvada (with condoms), if I had a need for it. I remember to take a daily multi-vitamin, surely I would remember to properly take a prophylactic medication of this importance. Do a lot of research, ask tons of questions with your doctor – I’m very fortunate to have an extremely open and long-term relationship with my doctor, so I’m comfortable discussing this and all aspects of my life, including my sexuality. Find a good doctor, be honest about your behavior (no shame), and take it from there.
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: Perhaps you are not typing enough at them. Yes, that must be it. You must type more so maybe they will stop being such sluts.
I greatly admire your King Canute -like ability to “command the waves to stop,” all by typing a lot in Queerty comments!
sportyguy1983
Truvada is a must have for all gay guys wanting to act irresponsible and are too dumb to realize they can still catch other STDs
Stache99
@sportyguy1983: Yawn. Copy and paste every single time this comes up. Great examples of my point.
You do realize that most of the other STD’s are perfectly fine finding their way to you through other routes? I’ve had STD’s before and it wasn’t through barebacking.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: I’m not commanding anyone to stop anything. I’m just stating what is the reality.
Have fun with that.
Kangol
It prevents HIV & AIDS transmission, which is excellent, but having anal and oral sex without a condom you can still get chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, Hep C, etc. GOT IT!
Get tested, and be up front with your sex partner or partners!
onthemark
@sportyguy1983: @Giancarlo85:
I realize you guys are bitterly disappointed that these sluts are no longer getting HIV, but at least try to be happy they’re getting other STI’s? Cheer up.
And let’s hope science won’t come up with new treatments for the others. If that happens, what will you guys have left to feel superior about?
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: I never wished HIV on anyone. I’m just stating the truth about mutations in syphilis and gonorrhea, and how this is spreading quite fast among the community. I think people should moderate more in their life, but that isn’t for me to decide. I only decide for myself.
Dan Steele
Might not have HIV…but have everything else
JetsetTX
Who the hell needs the religious right and the Kim Davis’s of the world when we have so many holier than though sanctimonious bitches within our own community? Condoms are not 100% effective, if you have multiple partners then why not protect yourself as much as possible? Also, try as we may to use condoms all the time, there are factors that can lower inhibitions such as alcohol and sometimes they don’t get used. If your insurance covers it, it’s an added degree of protection. If It doesn’t there are programs to help pay for it. Everyone knows you can get other STD’s, you aren’t telling anyone anything they don’t know. If you don’t want to take it that’s up to you, no one is forcing you to. Don’t judge others who make the decision, for whatever reason, to take it!
Glücklich
@JetsetTX:
Well that just makes TOO much sense!
Bob LaBlah
At a cost of well over one thousand per month (based on a thirty-day supply) this drug is out of reach of nearly everyone it is targeted at. It seems on the same level as dangling a carrot in front of the jackass who can’t seem to figure out it is nothing but a lure.
Stache99
@Bob LaBlah: I think it’s covered or at least fairly cheap under some peoples medical plans though.
Bauhaus
@Bob LaBlah:
Medicaid is now required to cover PrEP and PEP. The wholesale cost of Truvada is about $1,300/month. I’m not sure how much your insurance would cover, but it would be easy enough to find out. Also, Gilead, the manufacturer of Truvada, will pay up to $200/month toward the co-payment, regardless of income. There are other programs available to help offset the cost.
joe
i’m on viread for hep b, it provides same prep coverage as truvada . i was always worried about getting aids/hiv and i got hep b, i’m a prime example that prep is far from a totally safer sex life. it covers ONE disease..ONE. watch someones face after you tell them youre hiv neg BUT you have hepatitis…guess what happens then..?
Gee Rosato
So do men that use condoms
JetsetTX
@Bauhaus: You’re right, most insurance covers it and if not there are programs to help. Fortunately, my insurance does cover it and the co-pay is $30 but with Gilead’s Co-Pay card, I pay nothing, they pay the $30. Those insurance companies that do pay have realized that it’s less expensive for them to pay for PrEP for those at higher risk than to pay for a lifetime of HIV treatment.
Random
@SportGuy: You’re not correct actually. HIV aside, pretty much all of the STDs can be contracted even when a condom is used. If you think protected sex will guard you from STDs by protected sex then, sadly, you’re mistaken.
Random
@Dennis Sandoval: Yes, you can catch other STDs……whether you use a condom or not!! People who’ve never barebacked in their life have still ended up with sexually contracted infections.
joe
@Random: like me NEVER ONCE EVER BB…but still caught a life long disease
Giancarlo85
Using a condom can mitigate your chancces of contracting most diseases. It’s not 100%. No one has ever claimed it is 100%. But barebacking is definitely a fast way to catch something.
Bob LaBlah
@Random: “Yes, you can catch other STDs……whether you use a condom or not!! People who’ve never barebacked in their life have still ended up with sexually contracted infections.”
Back in the 1980’s the Centers for Disease Control said that HIV can hide in the body for years until it decides to appear. I STILL believe that. The reason I do believe it is because of the new strains of it that were not detectable before. How many more strains of it exists that have yet to be discovered remains a mystery, but this is one disease I am sure has got more to “offer” in the future. Unless I am wrong the detection test people take are based upon what is known about the disease at the time it was taken.
I also believe this is a man-made disease. It appeared to quickly and devastated what were considered to be the degenerates of society (drug addicts, the homeless, gay people and poor communities in general).
Giancarlo85
A man made disease? Time to put the tin foil hat away please.
Bob LaBlah
@Giancarlo85: Yes, you little fool. Its called a biological weapon. The theory behind biological weapons are to silently spread disease and terror throughout the targeted populace undetected until detected. Anthrax comes under that category. As does HIV. Or at least it should have but it was never listed as such.
In the days when you were learning how to walk in heels and tuck to not be detected there was an anthrax scare here in the U.S. that was traced to a Dr. Larry C. Ford, a devout mormon who hated black people so much he worked with the South African Intelligence services to try to create a “black bomb”. Stick to you chatter with the other “girls” at Arena and stay the fuck out of grown peoples conversation.
Geoff B
I rarely agree with Giancarlo, but I don’t get the vitriol directed at him here. Yes, this drug seems to be a miracle at preventing HIV, but he is correct that there are other diseases that it won’t prevent. If you are someone who is especially at risk of getting HIV, absolutley, you should use it, but just be aware it’s best used as a second line of defense and a condom will at least mitigate your risk of catching other diseases. I don’t see where he was judging, but rather giving sound advice. Giancarlo, am I right?
Giancarlo85
@Bob LaBlah: Now you must resort to insults because I don’t believe your ridiculous and outlandish claims. Then again you were a Reagan supporter so most of what you say is ridiculous. You don’t bother backing up anything you say. You merely expect me to take your word for it. You have to wonder why nobody reads most of the vapid shit you post on here.
Giancarlo85
@Bob LaBlah: And one other thing… your ignorance is evident. You claim that HIV is manmade, you probably think that ebola is manmade too. You have some type of mental condition… perhaps delusions or paranoia. Maybe you even hear voices talking to you in your head.
You have no proof that HIV is man-made. HIV and Ebola are naturally occurring diseases.
By the way, anthrax was never an effective biological weapon as it is easily contained.
Your insults about what I do in my free time shows how demented you are as a person. You are not a source, and you know very little about anything. Stick to your trailer park please.
@Geoff B: Right. That was my only suggestion and people jumped on me because I criticized barebacking. We have many other problems in this community as I suspected. People will say “well you can catch other diseases even if you use a condom, so why bother using it?” THat’s the attitude I see on here… and that’s a dangerous attitude. Condom usage mitigates and reduces the chances of one getting a disease. It doesn’t eliminate it.
Of course knowing your partner and getting thoroughly tested is the most important.
Clark35
A lot of the idiots who take Truvada and bareback like it’s 1975 are going to become HIV+ and get other STDs; but these people think that Prep/Truvada will protect them as well as condoms and safer sex do when that’s not true about the medication.
onthemark
@Geoff B: Actually I appreciate Giancarlo’s newly sedate and sane tone. In the past he’s been vicious and nasty about this issue, and towards anyone non-monogamous. Looks like maybe he’s done with attitude and that’s great. In this thread I was baiting him but I’m glad he remained calm. Be it maturity, or a nice psychotropic prescription, it’s appreciated.
Bob LaBlah, sportyguy & Clark35, however, are probably irremediable by all the Lexipro and Klonopin in the world.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: I still don’t care for you. And I wasn’t “vicious or nasty” in the past about this issue. I spoke (rather wrote) what on my mind. Your passive aggressive attitude, including suggestion that I’m on a prescription, basically discredit everything you have said. So with that go fuck yourself.
Giancarlo85
*Suggesting
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Have a Snickers. You get a little hostile when you’re hungry.
What’s wrong with being on a prescription, btw? Millions of people benefit from that. You must have good insurance at that job; you really should look into it.
@Geoff B: GC’s vicious and nasty attacks on everyone and everything here are all available thanks to Google et al, forever, if you are interested. You seem to remember them anyway.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: Here we go with the nasty passive aggressive attitude. I don’t need a fucking prescription. That is for addicts like you who abuse their painkiller prescriptions. People can’t see reality when taking drugs, much like yourself. There is no difference between the 8 or 9 painkiller pills you take a day and cocaine. One is legal, the other isn’t.
You are a vindictive idiot that has to provoke whenever possible. It is possible you suffer from some sort of personality disorder and perhaps antisocial bitterness. You should try to connect with actual people and not the pills you get from the doctor you pay under the table. It could do you some good. Might get rid of the paranoid delusions too.
Giancarlo85
By the way, I don’t attack everyone on here. Usually I do go after a few right wingers and those suffering from delusions… Or a combination of both like offthemark. Offthemark also controls another account… Alwayswrong.
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: Delusions, ri-i-ight. Don’t know where you got the idea I’m “notevenwrong.” You concentrate on making as many enemies here as you can, but then you’re surprised when you end up with two or more? – eek they must be sock puppets! You sound like Atticus Bennett (hey maybe you’re the same person). You’ve put SO much effort into making enemies, give yourself credit: mission accomplished.
Maybe we could both focus more on making fun of BJ McF & company.
To get back to the actual subject of this article, I don’t want to confuse naive readers. I totally agree with you about condom usage. It’s STILL a good idea, and personally I absolutely do not understand the appeal of barebacking. And yet it happens. So Truvada, for certain people (not most), is also a good idea.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: You are definitely “alwayswrong” (I modify the username to fit the poster). Your posting and writing styles are exactly the same (and your usernames are eerily similar). I’m not on here making as many enemies as I can. I attack a select few with mental delusions and paranoia much like yourself.
You are an asshole who can’t help but attack me in every post you make addressed to me. You couldn’t help but suggest I’m on medication. Psychological medication is for losers who can’t face reality. I never said Truvada is a bad idea. I said barebacking is a bad idea.
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: On the contrary, you were polite to me 2 or 3 times recently when I made fun of BJ McF and you agreed with me. Very politely. I thought that was great and appreciated it. Maybe I should have made that clearer at the time. Goddam, you are one touchy, bitchy freakazoid.
“Psychological medication is for losers who can’t face reality.” ??? – You can’t pretend to know anything about medical science – re: HIV or anything else – and then make an ignorant statement like that. Where do you even get these crazy opinions? There’s nothing wrong with such medications. (I don’t happen to be on them, but have friends who are, and if I were I’d admit it because there’s nothing wrong with it.) And it was not intended as an insult to you. If I’d wanted to insult you right then, I’d have come up with something else. I had no idea you would flip out in this (ironically) insane way.
As for Truvada and/or barebacking: WHY DON’T YOU TRY MINDING YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS? Why must you pontificate on everybody else’s sex lives? You are not the Gay Fucking Pope. Mind your own business.
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: On reflection, I’m guessing you didn’t know the definition of “psychotropic” meds. That’s a very general term. I was thinking more in terms of (for instance) antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds. You may have thought immediately of (for instance) schizophrenia or bipolar or something, and therefore taken offense. Although that’s under the umbrella definition too, that wasn’t what I meant. I didn’t mean it as an insult. So CALM THE FUCK DOWN you hyper-anxious freak.
Also, how are “onthemark” and “notevenwrong” similar monikers at all, let alone “eerily” similar???
Jeez. As I’ve noted before, at this rate you are likely to die of a stroke before you turn 35.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: I was never nice to you and for the most ignored you totally. Your posts lack any sort of substance and even if you disagree with BJ you do not do it effectively. Your posts are ineffective.
You couldn’t help but attack me personally in your post in this thread and you set this shit off. You know nothing about medical science (at all really). You are one who can’t face reality. I have no need for medications. You, however, need it for your your mental problems. You are purely delusional. You made that swipe at me because it was convenient for you to do so.
What an idiot. I’m not trying to get into the business of others. I said others should moderate their high risk activity, but that isn’t up for me to decide, you stupid fucking asshole.
@onthemark: You need to get on antidepressants then. Your posts are seething with so much anger. You are a sick little man who is fucked up in the head. Probably because your mom drank heavily during her pregnancy. I know that must suck… you didn’t have any control over what your mom did. Unfortunately for mankind abortion was not legal during that time period.
You’re a fat fucking idiot who thinks he knows everything about me and even when I’m not saying anything to you, you have to come up with a smart ass remark. It wouldn’t surprise me if your health is as shitty as Dick Cheney’s.
Giancarlo85
Oh and you don’t know shit about me or my own life. I don’t need fucking meds for any reason as I have no issues. You just couldn’t stay away from personal comments to me. It just goes to show how much of a fucked up person you are. Anti-social delusional asshole.
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: Yeah – you have no issues. Right. It’s funny how you’re always accusing people here of stuff you obviously suffer from yourself. Several paragraphs to the effect of “I’M NOT ANGRY – IT’S YOU!!!!!” – “grrrr, snarl” – not very convincing, dude.
My mom has never been a drinker. And why are you always accusing people of being fat? I’m over 6′ and slim. Always. Why do you have this weird delusion that everyone here is fat? You’re obsessed with fat people. (Probably a sexual obsession.)
And again – what’s wrong with being on antidepressants? There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s interesting that you take the Republican / libertarian position against basic health care. Maybe you’ll insult Social Security again. I’m going back to my theory that you’re a paid Republican poster.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: And you know this how? You were the one who brought up medication, therefore using your logic… you are on medication. Thanks for proving my point.
You need to seek ought some help for your anti-social psychotic behavior… before you really hurt someone.
You’re simply taking out your shortcomings onto me and others. And I don’t care for fat people. They aren’t my type, just like you.
You’re a extreme right winger when it comes to being against healthcare. I simply said I have no use for antidepressants. You seem to make up shit as you go along… probably has to do with your deeply ant-social personality. I never insulted social security. And there you go making up shit. You’re a republican right wing conservative shitbag who is just too obvious.
Have a nice day, asshole!
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: You forget. All your hateful, deranged statements are on Google forever for anyone to check. You can’t disclaim them now. You made disparaging remarks about people here (supposedly) being on SSDI – like that was a bad thing, even if it were true, and exactly as if you were a Republican. It’s all a little too suspicious.
I have some fireworks to go look at now. But I may look up some of your hilariously awful remarks in the near future, that should be easy enough to do.
I’ve told you (& others) a few personal things about my life because I’m not ashamed of them, there’s nothing wrong with them. Actually you have, also – we wouldn’t know you’re androgynous or wear makeup or whatever, unless you told us in the first place. But whenever someone makes a little fun of that, you scream and bitch and complain. A bit hypocritical.
Oh right – I remember somebody here said, “You just know that Giancarlo is built like a sumo wrestler.” (Saint Law? Cam?) Ha ha ha. That’s probably the real situation. Giancarlo, the fat little Republican!
Giancarlo85
And he goes in a complete circle. Like a dog chasing its tail. I never insulted social security. You seem to have some sort of reading disability. That might run in the genetics of republicans. Afterall one former republican President was dyslexic. Are you sure you aren’t suffering from dyslexia? Or perhaps you are autistic? It explains the need for you to have the last word in everything.
I’ll let you have the last word. I really don’t give a shit about you. I wouldn’t care if you got hit by a city bus. I wouldn’t really shed a tear.
You are one demented screwed up person, whom I have not one ounce of sympathy or respect towards. I haven’t said very little about my own life and kept it extremely vague. My life isn’t up for discussion on here. I don’t wear make-up. Again, just something else you made up.
I personally think you’re autistic. I guess I should have handled this situation with extreme caution. Have a nice life… in whatever pathetic way you can.
By the way, I’m a slim Colombian soc-iali-st. Not an American, and certainly not a Republican.
—-Oops, I forgot “so*c*i*al*ist is censored on here.
Giancarlo85
@Giancarlo85: *Correction: I have said very little about my own life.
Let me elaborate, I’ve kept it minimal. You know almost nothing about me. You know nothing about the way I look or who I am.
You, however, have told us plenty… good luck with the autism and eating disorder.
onthemark
@Giancarlo85: Yep, I wrote here that I’m (mildly!) autistic. I really don’t recall if that was specifically directed at you, or someone else – but you read it and you’ve always been very bitchy and insulting about it. I chalk it up to ignorance, and your Republicanism. I suppose you want to put us all in camps.
??? – But when did I ever say I had an eating disorder? Now you’re just imagining stuff. More projection about your OWN situation, no doubt!
“I’ll let you have the last word.” PROMISES, PROMISES.
Giancarlo85
You must always have the last word. I understand the condition.
Good luck with your pathetic life. You’ll never be a social person.
Again, I’m soc*ia*l*is*t. Not a republican pig like you. Stop pretending to something you’re not.
Good luck with that shitty personality and attitude.
onthemark
This is an article about how to avoid getting HIV, so I’m going to address any people with disabilities still reading this. You are probably at higher risk of getting HIV. I’ve never seen statistics on that, but as you know already, people try to take advantage of you!
I agree that condoms are important, but disagree with the meaningless advice about “knowing your partner.” This is merely GC-code for “line up in heterocentric monogamous relationships” and it doesn’t mean much of anything.
A large number of new infections nowadays are in guys who were in monogamous relationships. Seriously, both of them were monogamous. I’m not scoffing, or claiming they weren’t. They were monogamous. There was only one problem: one of them hadn’t got tested recently enough. The key is getting tested.
Giancarlo85 has expressed his extreme, vile HATRED of people with disabilities, in nearly Nazi-like terms. The HR department at his employer, Sempra, may be shocked to learn of his views. That sort of bigotry is not cool at large companies.
There’s nothing wrong with being autistic. There’s nothing wrong with being dyslexic. (I’m not, and obviously GC only brought it up because he hates people with disabilities.) There’s nothing wrong with having a physical disability. (GC seems to have missed my comments about that subject, which were addressed to others.)
There’s nothing wrong, per se, with being anti-social. (I’ve never claimed to be that, but if someone is, that’s okay. And it’s not even a disability… well, sort of, in our tyranny-of-the-extroverts world!)
There IS something morally wrong with having very obvious mental illness, and having the means to do something about it, but refusing to do anything about it.
@Giancarlo85: “You must always have the last word. I understand the condition.”
Yes, we have noticed the irony.
Giancarlo85
@onthemark: You’re so full of shit. You cannot help but make this personal in every post you make. It’s getting tiring. You want to know why I react defensively because you make comments like “You are probably at higher risk of getting HIV.” Seriously, I just about had it with your passive aggressive attitude and general nastiness.
You can do whatever the hell you want. And reply to me however you want, but I’m not going to be replying any further. You have some serious fucking problems man and a serious chip on your shoulder.
I hope you can fix yourself because you are a screwed up person. I never expressed hatred of anyone. I’m just saying your disability is preventing you from looking at this discussion objectively. I don’t work for Sempra (in fact I never named which company I worked for).
Now you are threatening me? That’s not cool at all.
I’ll be passing this matter off to the administrators of this website. I never once insulted anyone who is autistic. I simply said that this is not a productive discussion because you refuse to be open to any form of argument.
I don’t hate people with disabilities. You’ve insulted me before in the past.
At any rate, I’m passing this on to the owners of the website. Hopefully you get permanently banned from this site. Perhaps even IP banned. Your hatred towards me, including threatening my livelihood, has gone far enough.
“There IS something morally wrong with having very obvious mental illness, and having the means to do something about it, but refusing to do anything about it. ”
Another passive aggressive thought that is attacking me personally.
Good luck with your life. I’m passing this onto the administators now. You will no longer hear from me and I will not reply to anything else you write. I don’t respond to threats.
Giancarlo85
I want to make this clear to everyone else reading. If you took my comments as insulting someone with a disability, I deeply apologize for that. That will not happen again nor was that my intention. As a gay person, I am not in a position to insult anyone else for a inherent trait they were born with. That would be hypocritical on my part.
Perhaps I should have handled this situation better, but offthemark is one angry vindictive person on here who will stop at nothing to hurt me and threaten me (as he already has done).
I’ve said all that I needed to say on this matter.
onthemark
Giancarlo85 has identified his employer as Sempra on at least three occasions on Queerty, e.g.:
http://www.queerty.com/five-reasons-marijuana-and-homosexuality-go-hand-in-hand-20150420
He has a very selective memory. Everything I claim about his past comments can be easily verified by searches on Google et al.
Giancarlo85 has violated the Queerty comment policy in several egregious ways, in THIS thread alone, e.g.: “go fuck yourself.” This a pattern of extreme abuse going back a year or more.
Please follow your own policy and ban him.
Giancarlo85
Please ban offthemark who has now personally threatened me. I never identified working with anywhere. I will be contacting the authorities if this continues.
onthemark
(sigh) – I’m not threatening him. I have no intention of contacting Sempra. But it’s interesting that suddenly he’s terrified of his employer finding out about his vile posts here that, until a few minutes ago, he was so proud of. He might have thought of that earlier since he told us several months ago who he worked for.
Exact quotes on Google:
“I had some issue finding better employment in the past, but found a great job with a public utility (Sempra – very pro-equality company).” Giancarlo85 on Queerty, May 24, 2015, 11:29am
“Plus my job has a zero tolerance policy towards it as that could danger public safety, as I presently do a lot of driving (Sempra/SoCalGas).” Giancarlo85 on Queerty, Apr. 20, 2015, 10:01am
Giancarlo85
I am not personally threatened by any of the remarks I made here. If someone viewed anything I have said I apologize. I am threatened when someone is threatening to do me harm and sabotage my future with false allegations. Not once did I ever insult anyone with a disability and that certainly is not my intention.
I have had enough of this. If you want me gone so badly, offthemark, I will leave on my own. Good luck. This is my last post on this site. I am not going to put up with threats or false accusations.
Giancarlo85
For all others… Sorry it had to turn out this way. I should really commit myself to my future and not with someone as vile and immature. I am sorry to you guys for derailing this. And again If you viewed anything I have said as an insult, I apologize.
Calebspapi
If this truly sad display from Giancarlo should have taught you anything, it is not to listen to comment boards to make your personal medical decisions. These are topics between yourself, doctor and those you are intimate with…and no one else.
PREP is perfect to keep from contracting HIV. PEP is perfect if you believe you have been exposed to HIV. Truvada, the most prescribed medication to treat HIV, is perfect for those infected.
Condoms are not anywhere as effective in preventing HIV, or any other STI’s. So says the CDC, Departments of health, NIH, and WHO. Learn to do your homework and avoid advice from fear mongers and the plain olé stupid. Your life, your decisions. Not the haters!
Giancarlo85
Once again I apologize. Having re-read what I have said here I realize I was out of line. I should have exercised more restraint in dealing with someone who hates me so much and simply ignore him instead. The bitterness that guy has in his heart is quite striking. I just have nothing else to say about this and wish everyone luck.
Realityis
When, in all that is right and good, are we going to shift our collective attention to a cure and not these damned meds? I mean what’s the deal here.
I have not heard one thing on this lame ass website, or any others, like TheBody.com, etc, about a cure, but every couple of days or weeks I hear how wonderful Truvada and PrEP is. Maybe it is, but I don’t have the luxury of using it in that capacity and I do fear that there is going to be a great tragedy that will come because of it. HIV negative people are going to experience something that is not “nice” and it’s just a matter of time. I still don’t get why anyone who is not positive would voluntarily take these caustic meds. We are such a self-denying people.
Let’s shift this into demanding a cure. Then people who can’t afford, or who’s insurance won’t pay for, won’t need to worry about using it….. Makes sense?
Calebspapi
I am an attorney in the medical law, and policy field, specializing in Gay male health and HIV/AIDS for almost 25 years. The answer to why there is no talk of a cure is because viruses, but especially one like HIV not only mutates but reacts differently in different people. Numerous clinical trials have started and stopped due to failure. So far, all of the basics have been tried and we are now looking into genome therapies and stem cells. It is difficult and expensive work. That is not an excuse, rather just the truth. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a leader in research, you can check out their website.
Now, why Truvada? I’ve published on this topic but will share a concentrated version. Truvada is not a new drug, having been on the market almost 15 years. It is the most prescribed and tolerated HIV med in history. Yes, the formula has had to be tweaked to foil against kidney concerns and the possibility of early onset brittle bone syndrome. The newest formulation should hit pharmacies at the beginning of the year.
It’s success has been because it works. Compare it to AZT, which those of us members of ACT-UP, held die ins for,and then complain. From treating those with HIV, the medication jumped into its first crossover with pregnant woman to keep from giving birth to a so called AIDS BABY. Remember those? I know of way too many to count; they are all dead now.
Next, Truvada moved onto people who believe they were exposed to HIV within the last 24 to 48 hours. Called PEP, post exposure prophylactic, millions of 30 day dosages keep people from contracting HIV each year, around the world.
So, after much kicking, and screaming and fighting, us policy people around the world started suggestion using it as a prophylaxis for high riskers. The grant money came rolling in, every major HIV researcher wanted answer s. And we got them…for straight people only! Even though gay males make up about 87% of those infected or predicted to gain infection, none were included in these studies, for years. Until the Swiss Study.
My point is that, once upon a time, we would have dreamed for something like Truvada. Our dead friends and lovers did die for this treatment. But please understand, some may have side effects with usage. Which is why standard practice and policy is a mandated 3 month exam, or you will not get refills.
As to price. Much was made about how flawed the Affordable Care ACT is,but it does provide access to cover for those with prior medical conditions, like HIV. It also makes PREP/PEP affordable to most, with financial assistance to those in need. The maker of Truvada has a Co pay payment plan.
So, is Truvada good for you? Fuck if I know. I don’t know you, your true sexual history, drug usage, abuse or other aggravating factors. Which is why you should not only make up your own mind, you should allow others to make up theirs.
Now, finally about, so called barebacking and other STDs. There is no proper evidence, outside from your very uniquely antidote you have in the barrel ready to shoot me. The San Francisco research has released numbers of their on going study, which proves it. Go look it up! But let’s try to be men here for a moment, gay men specifically. We know our culture (GRINDR:faster than a microwave). But you also know your own history, your truth and your libido. Honestly. And no, you don’t know your man’s, your best friends or even family members. Because people LIE, and gay men lie about sex. So please, stop judging others for their behavior s, because you have 50% of North America shaking their heads at your’s.
This is not a life time treatment. It’s like the bus, you can get and get off as you choose. Best results are with daily usage, but similar results have been found in as few as 4 weekly dosages.
I admit, Truvada only provides 99% protection from HIV, where as condoms provide 70% when used properly. Way down to 56 for the average guy, who does not. (Look it up. CDC.gov) This is similar or close to the rates of other STDs, with the exception of herpes, either having vaccines or out right cures. Yes, some mutations are beginning to show resistances and need new, higher dosing. But there are no new, treatment resistant strains of any STD. But also most of these STDS have variants which may be contracted either orally or simple, skin to skin contact. Which is why one of the safest things you can do is wash your hands and brush your teeth after sex
With all of this, you truly need to understand that these are very personal questions you should research, talk over with you doctor and your sexual partners. Not us. But if you must bash those who disagree with you, please use “I” statements. For example: I would/wouldn’t take Truvada. Anything else, is cyber bullying, like a child. Let’s be men, please.
Realityis
@JetsetTX: Those insurance companies that do pay have realized that it’s less expensive for them to pay for PrEP for those at higher risk than to pay for a lifetime of HIV treatment.
Ummm, not really.
I am HIV positive but I only go to the doctor twice a year now. No longer do I have to go 4 times a year, like someone on PrEP, and my meds cost approximately the same amount as Truvada alone… so not really.
You all are doubling the cost of doctor’s visits and blood labs, so in actuality, you cost more.
joe
i would like to ask someone who is on prep a few questions. i am on the same med but for hepatitis, after i was diagnosed i stopped having sex that was over 2 yrs ago. i’m terrified of having sex again because of this diagnosis. i wanted to ask you a few questions, 1. when you started prep was it hard for you to take that first chance of unprotected sex? 2. what allowed you to fully believe this drug will work, was it just what you read? your faith in what gilead said? 3. do you still use condoms with prep? 4. did any of you have the same thing happen to you and if so did you abstain from sex and how did you get to the point where you began to have sex again? i’m afraid to have sex again because i think i’m going to fuck up again plus i’d have to go get tested again and just thought of that terrifies me again
Realityis
@Bob LaBlah: I actually agree with you Bob and I believe the cure is out there too. Just not ready to give in to Big Pharma yet….
Realityis
@Calebspapi: F you… if this f’n drug was available 15 years ago and was so f’n great, then why didn’t doc’s put us on it instead of these horrible meds that gave us these horrible side effects…
Your article, which is probably endorsed by Truvada makers, makes me so f’n angry right now…..
Take it all and……
Pisses me off so f’n bad that I almost hope that PrEP backfires in everyone’s f’n face.
Realityis
and if every one hasn’t noticed by now, I hate, Hate, HATE, this f’n disease and have hated for 23 years. No one should want it and everyone should be yelling for a cure. Not to make Dr’s and Pharma exec’s richer.
Calebspapi
@Realityis: You prove my point. Your personal experiences trump science, research and progress. You and you alone get to decide for everyone. 15 years ago was 2001 and this med was just being released. It took time for doctors to begin prescribing it so often.
And no, I do no business with Truvada or any pharmaceutical company. I correctly stated what I do for a living.
For all other readers, lots of people on the web, like this one, have an agenda which serves them and not you. He actually wishes for a medication proven to help people..to fail, assuring more people are infected with this disease he claims to have, and hate But at least then he will be happy. Probably not.
Read his anger, his fear, but not his facts or positive responses because he has nothing accept his personal opinion.
I’m done. I don’t feed trolls.
Realityis
@Calebspapi: Are you HIV positive?
If not, don’t pretend to know what it’s like to be positive. I don’t care how long you have been a lawyer in your field, you cannot know what I have, and am, going thru. Your condescension is amazing.
First off, I said almost hope, and that was in direct response to your Truvada advertisement, and yes that is what it was.
I have, multiple times, said I would never want anyone to go thru what I have had to go thru physically, emotionally, and mentally. And as for being a troll, I only respond to articles about PrEP and HIV. Is it wrong for me to want us to demand that the cure come out of hiding? Or don’t you want it to come out, cus then you and your clients wouldn’t benefit off of others.
How much do you get from the Truvada makers to use that information sheet you put in this thread? But wait, it seems that you are “in a way” OK with barebacking, even tho the Truvada makers say that it is to be used with other means of safer sex (condom).
Oh…. and please be “DONE”. We don’t need advertisements, most people are sick and tired of them and usually just throw them away.
Realityis
@Calebspapi: And another little piece of information…. I have no problem with someone using Truvada for PrEP, and never said it wouldn’t or couldn’t work. I have always said that it should only be used with a condom, as the makers intended it to be used.
What I don’t understand is why anyone would want to take it. If that person saw how I look today, and how much money I have put out to try to correct things, they would definitely think twice about taking these meds.
Bisexual-Transwoman
@Realityis: Well said, Truvada is not going to actually prevent HIV unless people use condoms with it but the people who bareback like crazy while on it are going to eventually become HIV+ and get other nasty STDs.