What is DESCOVY?
Descovy is a medication used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. It contains two active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. Emtricitabine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), while tenofovir alafenamide belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs).
Descovy is taken orally once daily, with or without food. It is designed to lower the amount of HIV in the body, which can help prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS. In addition, Descovy is also used as a prevention option for people who are at a high risk of acquiring HIV-1 through sexual activity. This is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Like all medications, Descovy may cause several side effects. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, nausea, and tiredness. Other possible side effects may include liver problems, kidney problems, and lactic acidosis. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Descovy and to report any concerning symptoms immediately.
Overall, Descovy is a well-tolerated medication that provides an effective treatment option for people living with HIV-1 infection. Its effectiveness and safety have been demonstrated through several clinical trials, making it an important medication in the management of HIV.
Frequently Asked Questions about descovy
DESCOVY® for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex. HIV-1–negative status must be confirmed immediately prior to initiation.
Ingredients. Descovy contains the active drugs emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. Truvada contains emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Although both drugs contain emtricitabine, they contain different forms of tenofovir.
Descovy can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex. It contains two antiretroviral drugs in one tablet: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. They work by blocking the virus from entering your body's cells. They also block the virus from making copies of itself.
Development timeline for Descovy
| Date | Article |
|---|
| Apr 4, 2016 | Approval FDA Approves Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide), Gilead's Third TAF-Based HIV Therapy |
| Sep 2, 2015 | Gilead's Investigational Fixed-Dose Combination of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) Meets Primary 48-Week Objective in Phase 3 Study |
DESCOVY® for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex.
It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. This product is a combination of two different drugs: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.
Bone and renal health aside, Descovy may actually have a greater incidence of other side effects than Truvada: in particular, greater weight gain and increased cholesterol levels (+1kg and +0.28mmol/L at 96 weeks respectively). In patients with cardiovascular risk factors, Descovy may thus in fact be contraindicated.
DESCOVY® for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex.
Bone and renal health aside, Descovy may actually have a greater incidence of other side effects than Truvada: in particular, greater weight gain and increased cholesterol levels (+1kg and +0.28mmol/L at 96 weeks respectively). In patients with cardiovascular risk factors, Descovy may thus in fact be contraindicated.
As mentioned earlier, Descovy contains a form of tenofovir with a different chemical structure than Truvada. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) - the tenofovir found in Descovy - is safer for kidney and bone health.
When Descovy is used daily for PrEP, it's been found to be 99.7% effective. Pairing condoms with PrEP provides even stronger protection against HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .
DESCOVY® for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex. HIV-1–negative status must be confirmed immediately prior to initiation.
