HIV preexposure prophylaxis in adolescents and young adults: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides an update of evidence for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), including efficacy and safety of newly available medications. It discusses barriers to care that are unique to adolescents and young adults as well as interventions that may help increase uptake, adherence, and retention in care.

RECENT FINDINGS: Tenofovir alafenamide-emtricitabine and cabotegravir are both newly approved medications for the prevention of HIV and are well tolerated and effective for adolescents. These medications, along with tenofovir disoproxil-emtricitabine, offer a variety of PrEP options to choose from.

SUMMARY: Adolescents and young adults have many options when it comes to HIV prevention, but barriers persist in terms of uptake and adherence to PrEP and retention in care. Technology-based interventions, provider education, navigation support, and multiple access options are all tools to help increase PrEP use in young people.