In addition to the stigma and discrimination they experience on a daily basis, HIV patients have also been facing a shortage of the drug Gilestra Duo since the beginning of December, so many of them have been purchasing the therapy in neighboring countries.
Director of the Montenegrin Foundation for HIV and Viral Hepatitis Boris Vuksanovic He told "Vijesti" that due to production problems, the drug had not been available in pharmacies since December 1. "Montefarma", which supplies state pharmacies with drugs, confirmed that the drug Gilestra Duo was currently unavailable solely due to delays by the manufacturer and explained that the other one - Truvada, arrived the day before yesterday afternoon.
"Patients are coming to us in large numbers. We bought the medicine in Serbia, where a box of Gilestra Duo costs around 40 euros, in order to distribute the therapy to patients," said Vuksanović. He stressed that patients must take the prescribed therapy daily and on time. In this way, the infection is kept under control, and patients cannot transmit the virus to others.
"Some of the patients have already received replacement therapy from the infectious disease specialist. They have been switched to a new drug, Delstrigo, others are buying therapy abroad, and many are worried about their lives and health due to the new situation," said Vuksanović.
He explained that the supply of medicines this year was good, until December, unlike the previous few years when there were several periods of shortages of therapy for HIV patients.
"Our foundation strives every day to raise awareness among citizens and patients about the importance of taking therapy. Patients are largely responsible and try to take therapy regularly, which is why we appeal to institutions to enable continuous supply of medicines," said Vuksanović.
Gilestra duo is also used as part of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) therapy, which is given to people as protection against HIV infection after exposure to a risky relationship or contact. This therapy should be started no later than 48 to 72 hours after exposure to the virus. Vuksanović told "Vijesti" that the foundation was contacted by two people who needed Gilestra duo for PEP, but the drug was not available in the pharmacy.
“Montefarm”: We immediately informed KCCG about the shortage
"Montefarm" explained to "Vijesti" the day before yesterday that the drug Gilestra Duo is not available due to the delivery dynamics defined by manufacturers and authorized importers, and that this institution cannot influence production plans or speed up delivery.
They claim that the list of drugs includes eight medications for HIV therapy and that "the current supply disruption was for only one."
"However, in order to avoid interruption of therapy, patients, in cooperation with the KCCG, were introduced an available replacement drug. In addition, today we expect the delivery of the drug 'Truvada', and immediately after receipt and control of the delivery, it will be distributed and available in the Kruševac pharmacy, where HIV therapy is dispensed exclusively for the purpose of easier access to patients," Montefarma responded the day before yesterday.
They explained that, immediately upon learning of the delivery delay, they notified the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG) and ensured the introduction of replacement therapy.
"At the same time, we were in constant communication with the authorized supplier, who announced the delivery of a Truvada parallel today. Given that appropriate replacement drugs were available in the meantime, HIV-positive patients had continuity of therapy," the response reads.
More than 500 citizens are living with HIV
During this year, ending in November, the Institute of Public Health registered 41 cases of HIV infection, while it is estimated that more than 500 people with the virus currently live in Montenegro, a third of whom do not know they are infected.
The first research on discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV in Montenegro by the Foundation for HIV and Viral Infections showed a low rate of tolerance, as well as insufficient information among citizens about the virus and the disease it causes.
Stigma directed at people living with HIV in Montenegro, according to research, continues to be a significant barrier to prevention, treatment, and healthcare for people living with HIV.
According to the survey, 89,2 percent of respondents receive their usual HIV treatment at a public health facility, while five percent have been denied health services when they requested them due to their infection. About 11,5 percent of respondents claim to have encountered discriminatory comments from health workers.
"One in ten respondents reported that their HIV status was disclosed without their consent when seeking medical services, and only 18 percent felt that their medical records were kept confidential," the survey says.
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