Pharmacology and drug interactions with HIV PrEP in transgender persons receiving gender affirming hormone therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Transgender persons are at increased risk of HIV infection and would benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. However, barriers to healthcare and a lack of data regarding PrEP efficacy among transgender persons limits use. A related issue is whether a drug-drug interaction (DDI) exists between gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and PrEP. Recently, small pharmacokinetic studies were conducted to assess this interaction. Areas covered This review will assess the pharmacology of PrEP agents, existing data regarding potential DDIs between GAHT and PrEP, and hypothetical mechanisms for these DDIs. A summary will be provided on implications for PrEP use among transgender persons. Expert opinion Theoretically, DDIs are not expected between GAHT and PrEP. However, among transgender women (TGW) on GAHT, small studies identified a minor DDI between GAHT and tenofovir/emtricitabine (TFV/FTC), with TFV/FTC exposures ~12-27% lower among TGW vs. cisgender men. The mechanism of DDIs is unclear and requires further study. For perspective, median TFV/FTC concentrations were still within the range of median concentrations reported across controlled pharmacokinetic studies. TFV-disphosphate/FTC-triphosphate concentrations were similar between TGW and cisgender men. In summary, TDF/FTC likely reaches protective concentrations and should continue to be offered as PrEP for transgender persons.