Transgender Women Living with HIV Frequently Take Antiretroviral Therapy and/or Feminizing Hormone Therapy Differently Than Prescribed Due to Drug–Drug Interaction Concerns

摘要

>Purpose: Both hormone therapy (HT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) can be lifesaving for transgender women (TW) living with HIV, but each has side effects and potential drug–drug interactions (DDI). We assessed how concerns about HT–ART interactions affect treatment adherence.>Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey of TW (n = 87) in Los Angeles, CA.>Results: Fifty-four percent were living with HIV; 64% used HT. Only 49% of TW living with HIV discussed ART–HT DDI with their provider; 40% reported not taking ART (12%), HT (12%), or both (16%) as directed due to DDI concerns.>Conclusion: Imperfect HT/ART use and limited provider communication suggests a need for improved HT–ART integration.