CDC Says Using Nonoxynol-9 Unsafe
By Pamela Appea
Community Health Funding Report
HIV/AIDS
Condoms with Nonoxynol-9 are not an “effective means of HIV prevention,” as the scientific community previously had believed, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention warns health workers.
In a strongly worded, “Dear Colleague” letter, Dr. Helene Gayle, a CDC official writes:
“Anyone using N-9 as a microbicide to protect themselves from HIV transmission during anal intercourse should be informed of the ineffectiveness of this agent and warned of the potential of this practice.”
Lubricated condoms and sexual lubricants containing Nonoxynol-9 “might not” result in a 50% higher rate of HIV infection—as suggested by a study of black women completed earlier this year—but CDC officials were uncertain the deterrent was effective.
Info: CDC, http://www.cdc.gov
Originally Published September November 10, 2000
Copyright 2000 by Community Development Publications
