Patient-Focused Selection of PrEP Medication for Individuals at Risk of HIV: A Narrative Review.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) prevents HIV acquisition in individuals at risk of HIV infection. There are currently two approved options for PrEP in the US; both are oral medications. The first option, approved in 2012, is a combination of two drugs called emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate­also known as Truvada^® or F/TDF. The second option, approved in 2019, is a combination of emtricitabine and a different prodrug, tenofovir alafenamide­this combination is called Descovy^® or F/TAF. Both options are 99% effective in preventing HIV if taken daily. While the risk of serious side effects from taking either of the PrEP medications is low, F/TAF has demonstrated less effect on bone and kidney health, and may be the preferred option in people with bone or kidney conditions, or in those at risk of developing osteoporosis or having risk factors for kidney disease, such as people living with diabetes or high blood pressure. As the risk of HIV sometimes overlaps with risks to bone and renal health according to race/ethnicity, poverty, alcohol/substance use, smoking tobacco, and taking other medications, F/TAF as an alternative PrEP medication allows the PrEP choice to depend on the broader health conditions of the individual. 'Personalized medicine' means that medicines can be chosen to suit an individual's biology, behavior, lifestyle, and overall health. The approval of F/TAF is the first step in personalization of PrEP medication, while additional options need to be researched to meet the requirements of all individuals at risk of HIV.