What is Descovy? Uses, warnings & side effects
Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) is a combination prescription medicine manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc., that is used, together with other antiretroviral medicines, to treat HIV. Descovy is also approved as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine for adults and adolescents (who weigh at least 77 pounds) to lower the chances of getting HIV. Descovy is taken as one pill once daily. Descovy has a boxed, or black box, warning that states there is a risk of drug resistance with use of Descovy for PrEP in those with undiagnosed early HIV infection and that there may be a worsening of hepatitis B. Descovy does not cure HIV or AIDS, but in combination with other drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
Descovy overview
BRAND NAMES:
Descovy
Generic Names:
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide
Uses:
Treats HIV infection, which causes AIDS, when used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Does not cure HIV or AIDS, but in combination with other drugs may slow the progress of the disease.
Used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine to lower the chance of getting HIV.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antiretroviral agent
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Descovy used for?
The treatment and prevention of HIV, which causes AIDS
Key takeaways
Descovy may cause worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection in those who have HBV and stop taking Descovy.
Descovy by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV. If you do become HIV positive, you will need additional medicine to treat HIV. If you have HIV and take only Descovy, over time your HIV may become harder to treat.
For individuals taking Descovy for HIV PrEP:
You must confirm you are HIV-negative before starting treatment.
Continue taking Descovy on a regular schedule to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. If you miss doses you are at greater risk of acquiring HIV.
Descovy does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What form(s) does Descovy come in?
Tablet
Emtricitabine 120 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 15 mg
Emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg
What are common Descovy dosages?
Treatment of HIV Infection:
Adult and pediatric patients weighing at least 77 pounds: One 200 mg/25 mg tablet once daily.
Pediatric patients, not receiving a protease inhibitor administered with ritonavir or cobicistat, and weighing:
At least 55 to less than 77 pounds: One 200 mg/25 mg tablet once daily.
At least 31 to less than 55 pounds: One 120 mg/15 mg tablet once daily.
HIV PrEP: One 200 mg/ 25 mg tablet once daily in individuals weighing at least 77 pounds
Descovy images - What does Descovy look like?
Descovy
30 tablets bottleDescovy
30 tablets box
How to take Descovy
Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
When used to treat HIV infection, Descovy is used with other HIV medicines. Take all other medicines your healthcare provider has prescribed for your combination treatment.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your healthcare provider. If you stop the medicine briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The recommended dose of Descovy is one pill, taken orally, once daily with or without food.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in the original bottle.
What to do if you miss a dose of Descovy
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Descovy contraindications - Who shouldn't take Descovy?
Do not take Descovy if you are allergic to emtricitabine or tenofovir or any of its inactive ingredients.
Descovy for PrEP should not be taken by individuals with unknown or positive HIV status.
Descovy warnings
Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver problems (including hepatitis B (HBV) infection), have kidney problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or have bone problems (including osteoporosis).
Do not breastfeed if you take Descovy for treatment of HIV because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby.
This medicine may cause the following problems: lactic acidosis (too much acid in your blood), liver problems, kidney problems, or reduction in bone mineral density.
If you are using this medicine for PrEP: You should be confirmed that you are HIV-negative before you start taking this medicine. You and your partner should be tested regularly (at least every three months) for HIV. You should also be tested regularly for other sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis or gonorrhea.
Your immune system may get stronger when you take HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Your healthcare provider will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments
Descovy interactions & what to avoid when taking Descovy
Many medicines can interact with this medicine. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about all other medicines, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements, you are taking. Descovy should not be taken with any of the following: acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, gentamicin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St. John's wort, tipranavir/ritonavir, valacyclovir, or valganciclovir; medicines to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin); or NSAID pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen).
Descovy side effects - How does Descovy make you feel?
The most common side effects of Descovy include:
Gastrointestinal effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas
General feelings of malaise: Headache, dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, weakness, lack of energy
Psychiatric symptoms: Depression
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, abnormal dreams
Metabolic derangements: Kidney problems, abnormal blood tests, weight gain, high blood sugar, glucose in the urine, blood in the urine
Musculoskeletal issues: Muscle pain, joint pain, loss of bone density, tingling or “pins and needles” sensations, numbness or burning pain in the hands or feet
Upper respiratory effects: Stuffy nose, cough
Immune system and blood cell abnormalities: Neutropenia (low white blood cells), anemia (pediatric patients)
Dermatologic toxicity: Darkening of the skin on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands), rash
Potential serious side effects include:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection
Kidney problems, including kidney failure
Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis)
Severe liver problems
You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Symptoms of severe liver problems: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
Sources:
Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide), FDA label
Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide), Medication Guide
Important Facts about Descovy for PrEP, Patient Information Sheet
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