Renal Risk Factor Brochure
A resource with information about why renal function is an important consideration when prescribing PrEP medication. Includes risk factors that may impact renal function.
A real-world study looked at ~14,000 people* who received PrEP care during a 6-year period1
(July 2012-March 2019; N=13,906)
Individuals engaged with PrEP care at any point during the retrospective study period1:
52.2% of those initiating PrEP discontinued at least once during the study
60.2% of those who discontinued reinitiated PrEP before the end of follow-up
(Hojilla JC, et al; 2021. Study used electronic health records from Integrated Health in Northern California)
*Prescriptions were filled for FTC/TDF or FTC/TAF for individuals aged ≥18 years with an indication for PrEP.1
PrEP was first approved by the FDA in 2012. DESCOVY FOR PrEP® was approved in October 2019.2
When prescribing a potential long-term medication, such as PrEP, consider that3:
- Renal function may change over time
- Bone density is crucial for individuals of any age
81%
of oral PrEP users had ≥1 renal or bone risk factor
in a retrospective study analyzing EHR data of over 40,000 people prescribed oral PrEP between 01/01/2015 and 02/29/2020.3
Renal function may change over time due to age and other factors3
Consider the age of PrEP users
Renal function may be declining
after age 403
~
41%
of men on a PrEP medication
are aged 40 and over4†
†Source: IQVIA® LAAD Weekly, through March 2025.‡
Actor portrayal.
‡This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA LAAD Weekly data through March 2025. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution and republication.4
Markers of renal function that can be affected by exposure to certain drugs include5:
- eGFR
- Serum creatinine
Renal risk factors may be more prevalent than you think: 62% of oral PrEP users had ≥1 renal risk factor.3
(Retrospective US observational study, January 2015-February 2020; N=40,621)
These are some of the risk factors that may impact renal function:
Hypertension
Obesity
NSAIDs
Diabetes
Stimulant use
Smoking
Additional risk factors7,19-23:
- Anabolic steroid use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Cocaine use
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Chronic kidney disease or declining renal function
- Comorbidities in adolescents
Resource
BMD may be a key consideration for individuals at any age24
Consider the age of PrEP users
People under 30 may still be building bone
and have yet
to
reach peak BMD24,25
~
25%
of men on a PrEP medication
are aged 30 and under4†
Actor portrayal.
‡This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from the following IQVIA information service: IQVIA LAAD Weekly data through March 2025. IQVIA expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution and republication.4
Lifestyle factors influence 20% to 40% of adult peak bone mass, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.24
Bone risk factors may be more prevalent than you think: 68% of oral PrEP users had ≥1 bone risk factor.3
(Retrospective US observational study, January 2015-February 2020; N=40,621)
These are some of the risk factors that may impact bone mineral density:
ADHD medications
Antidepressants
Inhalant Use
Proton pump inhibitors
Vaping
Excessive alcohol consumption
Additional risk factors4,30,36-39:
- Methamphetamine use
- Smoking
- Opioid use
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis (younger males)
- Low BMD (TGW)
Resource
Bone Risk Factor Brochure
A resource with information about why BMD is an important consideration when prescribing PrEP medication. Includes risk factors that may impact BMD.
Consider the long-term view when choosing a PrEP option, including impact on markers of renal function and BMD.
You may also be interested in:
ADHD=attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; BMD=bone mineral density; CDC=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CKD=chronic kidney disease; DXA=dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; eGFR=estimated glomerular filtration rate; EHR=electronic health record; ESRD=end-stage renal disease; FDA=US Food and Drug Administration; FTC/TAF=emtricitabine/
Now that you’ve learned about some of the risk factors that can impact renal function and BMD over time, there's more to explore with DESCOVY.
Select a topic:
See the difference between tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), 2 key PrEP medication components.
Learn more about HIV incidence rates with DESCOVY.
See DESCOVY seroconversion data.
Discover the impact of DESCOVY on markers of renal function.
Learn more about the impact of DESCOVY on BMD.