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O015 Establishment of a monitoring service for men who have sex with men (MSM) taking generic co-formulated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection
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  1. Nneka Nwokolo1,
  2. Xinzhu Wang2,
  3. Marta Boffito1,2,
  4. Myra McClure2,
  5. Tara Suchak1,
  6. Gary Whitlock1
  1. 156 Dean Street, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, UK
  2. 2Imperial College, London, UK

Abstract

Background/introduction Truvada® (TDF/FTC) PrEP taken daily or intermittently reduces HIV acquisition by over 86%. However, PrEP is only available privately in the UK, costing upwards of £400 for 30 tablets. Online generic TDF/FTC is significantly cheaper at £35-£50 for 30 tablets. There are, however, authenticity concerns about online medicines. Additionally, HIV infection should be excluded in individuals taking PrEP and baseline assessments of hepatitis B and renal function performed which may not occur with online PrEP.

Since February 2016, we have provided assessment and therapeutic drug monitoring to individuals on generic TDF/FTC to ensure safety and medication integrity.

Aim(s)/objectives To review characteristics of individuals taking generic TDF/FTC.

Methods Service evaluation of individuals taking generic TDF/FTC attending a London sexual health service. Data on the first 44 patients were collected: demographics, HIV and renal function testing, hepatitis B status, baseline STIs, regimen, source of PrEP.

Results All MSM; mean age 41 years (28–73); 77% White; 33/44 (75%) on PrEP at time of attendance; all HIV antibody negative prior to commencement. Mean eGFR 81.5 ml/min, 65% had documented hepatitis B immunity. One STI (syphilis) was identified at baseline. 93% were taking daily PrEP and 86% obtained Cipla manufactured Tenvir-EM® from United Pharmacies. Tenofovir and FTC levels were measured in 18/44 (41%), all results demonstrating presence of adequate active compound.

Discussion/conclusion Numbers of individuals requiring monitoring on generic TDF/FTC are increasing. It is reassuring that so far, drug levels suggest appropriate quantities of tenofovir and FTC in Tenvir-EM®; however, more data are needed.

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