Clinical Safety Considerations of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors in the Older Population Living with HIV

Abstract

There are approximately 40 million people living with HIV globally, and 21% (7.9 million) are older adults (aged > 50 years) as of 2019. The average age of HIV-positive patients is predicted to increase to 58 by 2035. The favorable clinical efficacy of integrase strand transfer inhibitors has led to high rates of viral suppression and have now become the preferred agents by the AIDS guideline when initiating antiretroviral therapy. There are concerns of increasing adverse effects from HIV medications, such as integrase strand transfer inhibitors, as a result of changes in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters within the older population. The authors aim to describe the safety concerns of the current integrase strand transfer inhibitors based upon a narrative literature review, including recommendations for drug–drug interactions, and relevant comorbidities to consider for selection of the most appropriate integrase strand transfer inhibitor for older people living with HIV. Raltegravir is a well-tolerated option with minor adverse events; however, adherence to a twice-daily regimen may be difficult in older patients who are also taking many other medications for various comorbidities. Elvitegravir is also well tolerated with limited adverse effects, but has many drug–drug interactions that may pose problems for older patients with polypharmacy. Dolutegravir has been associated with more frequent adverse events, such as neuropsychiatric disorders.