Abstract
The fixed-dose combination efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (EFV/FTC/TDF) is a first-line agent for the treatment of HIV. We report the case of a 40-year-old female with a history of HIV acquired through heterosexual contact who initiated EFV/FTC/TDF. Hepatitis B and C serologies were negative, CD4 cell count was 253 cells per cubic millimeter (15.8%), and HIV viral load was 67,373 copies per milliliter. Eight months later she developed transaminitis and severe right upper quadrant pain. Neither illicit drug abuse nor hepatotoxic medication such as acetaminophen was reported. After evaluation including negative acute viral hepatitis studies, EFV/FTC/TDF was discontinued; both her transaminitis and pain resolved. Hepatotoxicity is most often associated with efavirenz. Rarely, fulminant hepatic failure occurs. Efavirenz-related hepatotoxicity is thought to result from a cellular self-digestion process known as autophagy. This is the first report to our knowledge of EFV/FTC/TDF-related hepatotoxicity.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adenine / administration & dosage
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Adenine / adverse effects
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Adenine / analogs & derivatives
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Adult
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Alkynes
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Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage
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Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects*
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Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects
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Benzoxazines / administration & dosage
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Benzoxazines / adverse effects
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CD4 Lymphocyte Count
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
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Cyclopropanes
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Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
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Deoxycytidine / adverse effects
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Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives
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Drug Combinations
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Emtricitabine
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Female
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HIV Infections / drug therapy*
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HIV Infections / virology
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Humans
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Liver / drug effects*
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Organophosphonates / administration & dosage
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Organophosphonates / adverse effects
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Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
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Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Tenofovir
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Treatment Outcome
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Viral Load
Substances
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Alkynes
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Anti-HIV Agents
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Benzoxazines
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Cyclopropanes
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Drug Combinations
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Organophosphonates
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Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
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Deoxycytidine
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Tenofovir
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Emtricitabine
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Adenine
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efavirenz