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

Abstract

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.