Health officials say the anti-HIV drug Viread is being used by men in combination with illicit drugs with the hope it will prevent them from becoming infected with HIV while engaging in unprotected sex. Although research is under way in the United States, Africa, and Thailand to gauge whether prophylactic use of Viread can prevent infection, no data is in yet. Some doctors are even prescribing it to sexually active patients who refuse to use condoms.
Viread's use has become so popular that it is often referred to by clubgoers as 'taking a T,' referring to its chemical name tenofovir, and is even illegally sold in packets along with ecstasy and Viagra in bars and clubs.
