Descovy

(Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate)

The active ingredients in Descovy are emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, which are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They insert themselves into the genetic material of the virus to prevent its replication. This reduces the ability of the virus to proliferate, reducing viral load and increasing CD4+ cell count, to preserve the function of the immune system.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Descovy. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Descovy:

Descovy can be taken orally with or without food once daily.

It is crucial not to miss doses of Descovy since its efficacy is related to compliance. If you miss a dose by less than 18 hours, take the missed dose and continue with the next dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose by more than 18 hours, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose at your scheduled time.

The typical dosing of Descovy is as follows:

-For HIV treatment, when combined with a protease inhibitor and ritonavir or cobicistat: 200/10mg tablets

-For treatment when combined with any other antiviral agent: 200/25mg tablets

-For HIV-1 PreP: 200/25mg tablets

The most common side effects of Descovy seen in clinical trials include:

-Nausea

-Diarrhea

-Fatigue

-Headache

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Descovy. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

-Signs of inflammation or infection, including high temperature, redness, swelling, and joint or muscle pain. Some autoimmune reactions can occur after you start taking this medication.

-Signs of lactic acidosis such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and unexpected tiredness, unexpected muscle pain, or feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

-Signs of a respiratory infection.

-Signs of liver toxicity, including yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, with nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

-Signs of kidney toxicity, including severe back pain or bloody or dark urine.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Descovy. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Descovy, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

-Kidney problems or liver problems.

-Diabetes or high cholesterol: Descovy can increase blood sugar and lipids.

-A history of pancreatitis.

-Osteoporosis (weak bones): tenofovir has been associated with decreased bone mineral density.

Descovy should not be used alone for the treatment of HIV.

The efficacy and safety of Descovy for the treatment of HIV in children weighing less than 25kg or the PreP of children weighing less than 35kg are not established.

Descovy is not indicated for the treatment or prevention of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use safer sex practices.

Boxed Warning

Descovy is not indicated for the treatment of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, stopping Descovy if you have an HBV infection may cause worsening of hepatitis B. Your doctor should monitor your liver function closely if you have HBV and are discontinuing Descovy.

Descovy may lead to drug resistance if used in someone with an undetected HIV-1 infection. Descovy should only be used for HIV prevention in people who are confirmed HIV-negative immediately before and 3 months after starting treatment.

Descovy is contraindicated in people who are allergic to active or inactive ingredients of the formulation.

PreP with Descovy is contraindicated in people who are HIV-positive or who are uncertain of their HIV status.

Descovy is not indicated for people at risk of getting HIV from receptive vaginal sex.

It takes around 7 days for Descovy to reach maximum protection for PrEP in the context of receptive anal sex, and 21 days in the context of receptive vaginal sex and IV drug use.

No data is available for the onset of Descovy for insertive anal or vaginal sex.

When Descovy is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

-Any medications containing emtricitabine, tenofovir (including tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), found in Truvada), lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, or other antiviral agents.

-Antifungal agents like ketoconazole or rifapentine.

-Herbal products like St. John’s Wort.

-Anti-seizure medications like phenytoin or carbamazepine.

-Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, and other nephrotoxic medications. These may increase the risk of kidney-related side effects of Descovy.

Descovy is available as 200mg/10mg and 200mg/25mg emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide formulations.

Descovy should be stored at room temperature, in its original container.

Descovy is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc.

There is no generic version of brand-name Descovy at this time.

Descovy should be taken for as long as a person is at risk of contracting HIV, or as indicated by your doctor.

Descovy has not been studied in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

There is a pregnancy registry for people who take Descovy during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and that of your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.

Tenofovir is excreted into breast milk; Hence, breastfeeding is not recommended while on Descovy. Also, HIV-positive mothers should avoid breastfeeding to avoid transmission of HIV to the infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.