Satisfaction and knowledge of patients with HIV after switching from tenofovir to tenofovir alafenamide in regimens containing emtricitabine and rilpivirine

Introduction: The satisfaction and knowledge of the switch from tenofovir (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in patients with HIV is a field still unexplored. Both parameters are related to better health outcomes and therefore it is important to be able to measure them in patients during routine clinical practice. Objective: To evaluate the degree of knowledge and satisfaction in patients who changed their antiretroviral regimen from RPV (rilpivirine)/FTC(emtricitabine)/TDF to RPV/FTC/TAF. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted in a third level hospital between the months of September and November 2018. Patients who had previously been treated with RPV/FTC/TDF and who came for the second time to collect RPV/FTC/TAF were included. Satisfaction and knowledge questions regarding the medication switch were assessed using a five-point Likert scale of agreement/disagreement. Results: 116 patients were included in the study. 75% of the patients were satisfied and 64% had a remarkable knowledge. Young patients were less satisfied with the way in which the change was explained (p = 0.0487). The patients were better informed about the renal benefits (85% knowledge) and bone benefits (82%) than about the disadvantages in the lipid profile (40%) of the new medication. Conclusions: Patients are generally satisfied with the change in medication and are good informed about the dosage of the medication and the advantages of TAF over TDF, but not about TAF possible adverse effects.