Does anyone know anything about the new drug Gardasil? That helps prevent cervical cancer?

Question: Does it actually work? Does it help outbreaks for women that already have gential warts? Does it really prevent cancer? Will this led to other cancer preventions? Is it available in the U.S.? Does insurance cover it? Has anyone tried it? Do you support it?

Answers:
Although Gardasil is a great tool for preventing certain strains of HPV, it does not prevent all of the strains. (there are over 100 strains, and some of the most aggressive strains are not included in the vaccine). It also does not help those who already harbor the virus, or who choose not to be vaccinated, do not complete the series (you have to get all 6 as scheduled) or do not acquire immunity. Also, they do not know what the long-term side effects will be to young women, or how long the immunity will last. Overall, your best bet is to get regular Pap tests, and an HPV test. Those of us who have been diagnosis Cervical cancer for years fear that young women will see this as a "cure". It is not. Please continue to spread the word that cervical cancer is caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, but also encourage them to get regular Pap tests as soon as they become sexually active. The youngest patient I have diagnosed was 10 years old. The average age is 24.

Other Answers:
The FDA has approved Gardasil from Merck & Co. for vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the major cause of cervical cancer. The FDA approved Gardasil for the prevention of cervical cancer; cervical pre-cancers; and vaginal pre-cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18. Gardasil is also approved for the prevention of genital warts and low-grade cervical lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Gardasil is approved for females ages 9 to 26. Gardasil is administered in 3 separate intramuscular injections in the upper arm over a 6-month period. The catalog price for Gardasil will be $120.00.
Source(s):
in the business

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