NEW ARVS SOLD IN BLACK MARKET

A close up picture of the ARVs purchased from the black market.

MATSAPHA – There is a popular new product available on the black market: antiretroviral drugs.
You need to know the right people in order to lay your hands on them, but it can be done. 

This black market has proved to be a ‘panacea’ in light of the growing demand for ARVs by people living with HIV who want to switch to the new regimen of one fixed dose drug per day.
The story first broke in the wake of the theft from the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital of a consignment of containers of the drug intended for 388 HIV positive patients.

Investigations leading to the illegal sale led to Matsapha following a tip-off that infected Swazis preferred the regimen of one pill a day – and not the three that they need to take twice a day.
The new drug, in the form of only one tablet, is a combination of Tenofovir, Efavirenz and Lamivudine (Tenolam E). however, according to one of our sources from a government health institution, certain tests still need to be done to determine whether the new drug regimen is suitable for a patient.

 “There is a desperate demand from many patients on ARVs who plead to be switched to the fixed dose pill and this demand has fuelled the black market,” said the nurse speaking on condition of anonymity.
This week, containers of ARVs intended for 388 HIV positive patients, were reportedly stolen from the RFM Hospital.

Our sister publication, The Times daily, on Tuesday reported that the theft of the new ARV drug called Altripla was discovered the previous week.
On Wednesday, this publication bought 10 ARV fixed dose pills called Mylan from the black market at E50. This deal was struck in Matsapha at the congested Mathangeni location.

A container of 30 pills sells for E150, but the dealer said the price had increased to E200. He was not willing to state the reason behind the price increase, but said stock was limited.
He was initially very uncomfortable when discovered relaxing in his neighbourhood.  “How did you find me? There are other people in Manzini who could have easily helped you locate me than you going around hunting me down. How am to trust you that you come in good faith?”

It took about 10 minutes for him to reveal, after being convinced that he had about eight tablets left in his last container. “It is wise that you try the dose and monitor any side effects. Then you can come again for a full 30 pill container to last you a month.”
He advised that the tablets identified as Co-ntrimozole prevent HIV-related symptoms.

He said he had just sold two full containers to other patients on the day and that he was currently out of stock. “Call me next week for a full month’s refill and bring E200.”
He then threw two empty containers on the floor behind the drinking spot where he was discovered in the late afternoon. “You have so many questions like a divorcee (umutfu lohanjelwe ngumfati),” he said.

The illegal sale or abuse of ARVs is new to the country. Way back in 2010, it was reported in the media that the drugs were given to chickens in order to fatten them.

In neighbouring South Africa, one drug that seems to be causing the most concern is a deadly cocktail of black market ARVs mixed with third grade heroine, rat poison and cleaning detergents. Its street name is Nyaope or Whoonga.

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