Fanconi syndrome due to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate reversed by switching to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate in an HIV-infected patient

Abstract

A case of tenofovir-induced Fanconi syndrome in a patient receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection, with resolution of the related electrolyte abnormalities upon switch from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, is reported. Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, a novel prodrug of tenofovir containing significantly lower doses of tenofovir than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, has been associated with a favourable renal profile compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Generally, the rare complication of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–induced Fanconi syndrome is managed by cessation of tenofovir. There are limited reports of the impact of a switch strategy from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, which may be necessary in patients unable to discontinue tenofovir.