Anastrozole as a therapeutic option for gynecomastia in a person
receiving antiretroviral treatment: case report
Abstract
A middle-aged Caucasian man presented with a six-month history of
bilateral enlargement of the breasts associated with pain. His hormonal
profile was normal and no other underlying cause was identified, we
diagnosed him with idiopathic gynecomastia. He is living with HIV,
clinically stable (viral load <20copies/mL) and on injectable
antiretrovirals cabotegravir/rilpivirine. Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen
recommended for gynecomastia and has been described in persons living
with HIV. In this case, tamoxifen could potentially induce the activity
of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), reducing rilpivirine concentrations,
which consequently may cause virological failure. According to the
National Health Service (NHS) guidelines in the UK, an aromatase
inhibitor can be used in place of tamoxifen. To date, there have been no
reported cases of using anastrozole as a treatment for gynecomastia in
people living with HIV, or of its co-administration with
antiretrovirals.