DESCOVY

DESCOVY

DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily prescription medication designed for adults and adolescents at risk of contracting HIV. It helps reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission through sexual activity.

Important Considerations

• DESCOVY for PrEP is not suitable for everyone.
• It is not intended for individuals assigned female at birth who are at risk of contracting HIV through vaginal sex, as its effectiveness for this group has not been studied.
• Before starting and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP, it is essential to confirm and maintain an HIV-negative status.

Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (FTC/TAF)

DESCOVY is the new PrEP pill containing emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) instead of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). F/TAF can deliver higher concentrations of tenofovir into cells, achieve protective levels more quickly, and sustain those levels longer than F/TDF. For these reasons, F/TAF may be more effective than F/TDF for individuals who occasionally miss doses.

In the DISCOVER study, which showed that F/TAF was "non-inferior" to F/TDF for PrEP (but did not establish that it was "superior"), there were more HIV infections among participants taking F/TDF (11 infections) compared to those taking F/TAF (6 infections; these figures exclude individuals with suspected acute HIV infections at baseline). However, this difference was not statistically significant. While there is some debate over whether F/TAF is truly "more effective" than F/TDF for PrEP, there is currently no evidence indicating that DESCOVY is more effective than Truvada in preventing HIV as of January 2021.

One advantage of TAF is that it does not lead to the same level of kidney issues or a decrease in bone density associated with TDF. Both DESCOVY and Truvada are recommended as first-line therapies in HIV treatment guidelines globally, and both are also approved for the treatment of hepatitis B.

Seven years after the approval of Truvada (F/TDF) for HIV prevention as PrEP, we now have an additional option. On October 3, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved DESCOVY (F/TAF) as PrEP for individuals who are HIV-negative and at risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact.

Standard Dose

Take one tablet once daily, without regard to food. Each tablet contains 200 mg of emtricitabine and 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide.

This medication is suitable for adults and children weighing at least 55 pounds (25 kg). Crushing or splitting the tablets has not been studied and is not recommended; while TAF is soluble in water, it has a bitter and burnt flavour.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to the time for your next dose—then take the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once. DESCOVY should not be used if your creatinine clearance (CrCl) is less than 30 mL/min or if you are on dialysis. For children weighing less than 77 pounds, using DESCOVY with a boosted HIV protease inhibitor is not recommended.

DESCOVY was approved for HIV prevention (pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) in October 2019.

DESCOVY is a new PrEP option that includes emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) instead of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). One advantage of TAF is that it does not lead to the same level of kidney issues or reduced bone density associated with TDF. Both DESCOVY and Truvada are recommended as first-line treatments in the HHS HIV treatment guidelines and are approved for hepatitis B.

It is crucial not to combine DESCOVY with other antivirals that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional. Many new single-tablet regimens (STRs) already contain TAF, and drug interactions may occur, so be sure to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter products.

Before and During Treatment

Ensure HIV-Negative Status:

• Confirm you are HIV-negative before starting DESCOVY, and continue to verify your status through HIV tests immediately before starting and at least every three months during treatment.
• Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect HIV exposure. Many tests may not detect a recent HIV infection.

Report Flu-Like Symptoms:

• Inform your healthcare provider if you’ve experienced flu-like symptoms in the month leading up to or while taking DESCOVY. Buy PrEP for HIV Protection at PULSE Today!

How is DESCOVY Different From Truvada? 

Preventing Other STIs

• While DESCOVY helps reduce the risk of HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To lower your risk:
• Use latex or polyurethane condoms with lubricant.
• Communicate with your partner(s) about their HIV and STI status and testing history.
• Undergo regular testing for HIV and other STIs.
• Consult a healthcare provider for additional strategies to minimize STI risks.

Serious Side Effects

Hepatitis B (HBV) Worsening: Your healthcare provider will screen you for HBV before starting DESCOVY. If you have HBV, stopping DESCOVY without medical guidance could lead to a sudden worsening of your HBV condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing treatment, as they may need to monitor your health or prescribe HBV medication.

Take Home Message

It’s evident that PrEP alternatives are advancing: In the coming years, patients can look forward to various options, including generics, injectables, implants, and more. You can choose what works best for your health and lifestyle. Reach out to our clinic today to discuss your health and the prevention strategies that suit you best. We are here to help year-round.