Acute Trigeminal Neuralgia Associated with Initiation of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care. 2018 Jan-Dec:17:2325958218760846. doi: 10.1177/2325958218760846.

Abstract

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) fixed-dose combination (FTC/TDF) is undergoing rapid scale-up in the United States. While FTC/TDF is typically well tolerated, to our knowledge, cranial nerve pathology associated with FTC/TDF has not been previously described. We report the case of a 35-year-old patient who began FTC/TDF PrEP and developed acute trigeminal neuralgia. The neurologic symptoms resolved after treatment discontinuation and recurred upon rechallenge, resulting in permanent discontinuation of PrEP treatment.

Keywords: PrEP; neuralgia; tenofovir/emtricitabine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cranial Nerves / drug effects
  • Cranial Nerves / pathology
  • Emtricitabine / administration & dosage
  • Emtricitabine / adverse effects*
  • HIV
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities
  • Tenofovir / administration & dosage
  • Tenofovir / adverse effects*
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / diagnosis
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia / etiology*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Tenofovir
  • Emtricitabine