From the Guidelines
You can safely receive the Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine while taking Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). There are no contraindications or negative interactions between Truvada and the HBV vaccine, as supported by guidelines for the use of preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection 1. In fact, this combination is often recommended for individuals at risk for both HIV and HBV infections. Truvada is primarily used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or as part of HIV treatment, while the HBV vaccine provides protection against hepatitis B virus.
The standard HBV vaccination schedule consists of three doses given over 6 months (at 0,1, and 6 months), and you can follow this normal schedule while continuing your daily Truvada regimen without interruption. It's worth noting that tenofovir, one of the components in Truvada, actually has activity against HBV, but this doesn't replace the need for vaccination if you're not already immune to hepatitis B, as indicated in guidelines for the use of Truvada 1. Getting vaccinated against HBV while on Truvada is considered good preventive healthcare, especially since both HIV and HBV share similar transmission routes. Key points to consider include:
- No interruption of Truvada is needed for HBV vaccination
- Tenofovir in Truvada has activity against HBV but does not replace vaccination
- The combination is recommended for those at risk for both HIV and HBV
- Standard HBV vaccination schedules can be followed without adjustment for Truvada use, as there is no evidence to suggest otherwise from the provided studies 1.
From the Research
Hepatitis B Vaccine and Truvada
- The Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine can be administered to individuals taking Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) 2, 3.
- A study published in 2015 found that women with low levels of protection against HBV who were enrolled in the FEM-PrEP trial and received Truvada were offered three doses of the HBV vaccine 2.
- Another study published in 2018 discussed the use of the Heplisav-B vaccine for the prevention of HBV infection in adults in the United States, but did not specifically address the use of Truvada 4.
- Research has shown that Truvada can be used to prevent HBV recurrence in individuals with chronic HBV infection, including those who have undergone liver transplantation 5, 6.
- A study published in 2016 found that PrEP with daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was safe and feasible in individuals with active HBV infection, and that HBV vaccination was effective in preventing HBV infection in susceptible individuals 3.
Key Considerations
- Individuals with chronic HBV infection can receive Truvada, but should be monitored for liver function and HBV DNA levels 3.
- The HBV vaccine can be administered to individuals taking Truvada, and vaccination rates were high when offered to susceptible individuals 3.
- Truvada has been shown to be effective in preventing HBV recurrence in individuals with chronic HBV infection, including those who have undergone liver transplantation 5, 6.