Acute facial neuralgia related to initiation of emtricitabine/tenofovir for HIV PrEP: a report of two cases in a PrEP demonstration trial

Abstract

Background Emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) fixed-dose combination (FTC/TDF) is generally well-tolerated, although treatment-related adverse events have been reported. Methods We report two cases of persons using FTC/TDF PrEP who had acute neuralgia in a Chinese PrEP demonstration trial. Results Neurological symptoms subsided upon treatment discontinuation. Symptoms were reported as similar to one case’s previous experiences with dolutegravir (DTG) + FTC + tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) (for PEP), leading to permanent discontinuation of PrEP. Conclusion Acute facial neuralgia appears to be a rare idiosyncratic adverse event to FTC/TDF.