Acceptability of a bioadhesive nonoxynol-9 gel delivered by an applicator as a rectal microbicide.
OBJECTIVE
Potential rectal microbicides, as an adjunct to condoms for HIV/STD prevention, have not been studied previously.


OBJECTIVE
Advantage 24 (1.5 ml of a bioadhesive gel containing 52.5 mg nonoxynol-9 administered by single-use applicator)-under investigation as a vaginal microbicide-was evaluated for acceptability among male couples.


METHODS
Twenty-five HIV-negative and 10 HIV-positive male couples participated in a frequency use escalation trial. Diaries and self-administered questionnaires assessed product use, acceptability, sexual behavior, and gastrointestinal and urologic side effects.


RESULTS
Excluding participants who felt no need for an HIV prevention method, 58% said they would use Advantage 24 if approved for rectal use; 69% of receptive users reported rectal fullness and related side effects after insertion of the gel, and 68% reported applicator-related discomfort; 59% of insertive participants found the gel too sticky.


CONCLUSIONS
Acceptability remains inconclusive and warrants further study of redesigned applicators and ways to minimize rectal side effects.
Gross
M
M
Abt Associates Inc., Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA.
Celum
C L
CL
Tabet
S R
SR
Kelly
C W
CW
Coletti
A S
AS
Chesney
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017137:Nonoxynol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012007:Rectum; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D017137:Nonoxynol