A new monthly health clinic in West Chester Twp. is aimed at preventive measures for those susceptible to HIV.

UC Health physicians will hold the clinic, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month, at the UC Health Physicians Office North, located at 7690 Discovery Drive. Appointments must be made by calling 513-475-8585.

Dr. Judith Feinberg, a UC Health physician and professor of infectious diseases at the University of Cincinnati, said she established the clinic after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July approved the drug Truvada to help reduce the risk of sexually-acquired HIV infection, in combination with safer sex practices.

The drug was previously approved for the treatment of those already infected with HIV.

Feinberg said the clinic includes blood tests to check for HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases, as well as a heavy educational component to discuss safe sex practices and behaviors.

“It’s not just a blood test and prescription, but a conversation and discussion,” Feinberg said. “People have a misconception that this will be a magic bullet, but the behavioral part is a big component.”

Patients who might consider using Truvada include people whose partners have HIV or individuals who have multiple sexual partners, said Feinberg — also an HIV/AIDS researcher who chaired the FDA committee that recommended the approval.

“You have to protect yourself,” Feinberg said. “There are a quarter of a million people in the U.S. that don’t know they have HIV.”

Currently in Butler County, there are 276 people living with HIV, according to the Ohio Department of Health. The rate is just under 100 people in Warren County; and exceeds 2,300 in Hamilton County, according to state health department data.

“The only way to stop the epidemic is keeping it from spreading,” Feinberg said.

Truvada preventive treatment involves taking one pill once a day, Feinberg said. The drug is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, which has estimated its cost for one patient at $13,600 annually. Patients should consult with their insurer about reimbursement.

“I’m very pleased we can offer this preventive treatment to individuals in the Greater Cincinnati area,” Feinberg said. “This is a huge step in the fight against the spread of HIV and shows how research has truly translated into real therapies to help people.”

Feinberg said the West Chester Twp. clinic serves as a neutral location and includes other conveniences for patients, such as better parking, a newer clinical space and an on-site pharmacy.

“The medicine we have now is very good; people who take their HIV medicine end up dying of other things,” Feinberg said, such as heart disease.