Uses
What is Descovy used for?
Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Treatment of HIV (in combination with other medicine)
- Preventing HIV through sexual contact (pre-exposure prophylaxis, also called PrEP)
Learn more about Descovy for HIV.
Descovy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Descovy work (mechanism of action)?
People with HIV have a virus that spreads in their body and damages the immune system, making it easier for them to get very sick from other infections. The two medicines contained in Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) work together with other medicines to help stop the spread of HIV in your body. This helps protect and preserve the immune system and can prevent the virus from being spread to other people.
Descovy can also help prevent people from getting HIV through sexual contact.
How is Descovy supplied (dosage forms)?
Descovy is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 120 mg/15 mg oral tablets
- 200 mg/25 mg oral tablets
How should I store Descovy?
Descovy should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed in the original container or blister pack.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Descovy?
The most common side effects of Descovy are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
There may be other side effects of Descovy that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Descovy?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Descovy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Immune System Changes. When you start Descovy, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection.
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vision problems
- Confusion, problems talking, or headache
- Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Weakness or coordination problems
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Descovy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Lactic Acidosis. Descovy may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in your blood), which can be serious. Stop taking Descovy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis.
- General ill feeling
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Stomach pain
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Descovy. This can cause serious liver problems that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severe Allergic Reactions. Descovy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Descovy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Descovy?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Descovy.
- Descovy
- Emtricitabine
- Tenofovir alafenamide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Descovy.
Positive or Unknown HIV Status. Descovy should not be used for prevention of HIV in those with unknown or positive HIV status. Your healthcare provider will test you for HIV before starting this medicine.
What should I know about Descovy before using it?
Do not take Descovy unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Descovy with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Descovy out of the reach of children.
If you are taking this medicine to prevent HIV (pre-exposure prophylaxis, also called PrEP), it should be part of a bigger plan that includes taking the medicine every day and practicing safe sex, like using condoms, to prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms and know your partner's HIV status. Keep all appointments for routine HIV tests. This is important because if you get HIV but do not know it, taking Descovy alone is not enough to treat the virus and could cause the virus to become resistant to treatment. Routine testing helps catch an infection early and helps prevent resistance. Regular testing for STIs is also important.
If you are taking this medicine to treat HIV, Descovy can help keep the infection under control, but it does not cure it.
Descovy does not help protect against or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
If you have HIV and hepatitis B, stopping Descovy can cause a serious flare-up, or worsening, of your hepatitis B. Your healthcare provider will test you for hepatitis B before or when starting this medicine. Do not run out of Descovy or stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first. If you have HIV and hepatitis B and stop taking Descovy, keep all appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can check the health of your liver.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Descovy?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Descovy is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems, including hepatitis B
- Kidney problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Descovy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Descovy, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Descovy could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Descovy, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of HIV medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. Descovy passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. There may be risks with breastfeeding while taking Descovy and having HIV.
How can I get more information about Descovy?
For more information about Descovy, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.descovy.com.
Interactions
Does Descovy interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Descovy and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Descovy.
Does Descovy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Descovy.
- Any other medicine for HIV or AIDS
- Any medicine for treating a viral infection
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Any aminoglycoside antibiotic, such as amikacin or gentamicin, which is given by injection to treat infections
- Any medicine for treating and preventing seizures
- Rifampin (Rifadin) or rifapentine (Priftin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Rifabutin (Mycobutin), which is a medicine used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex disease
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Descovy. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Descovy. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Descovy?
If you or someone else has used too much Descovy, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Descovy?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Missing doses of Descovy can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is very important not to miss or skip doses.