Key takeaways

  • Descovy is a prescription medication used to treat HIV in adults and certain children infected by the virus and as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for certain people who don’t have HIV but are at risk for contracting the virus.
  • When used as PrEP, it’s crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage of Descovy to maintain its effectiveness in preventing HIV.
  • Descovy can cause side effects, ranging from common issues, such as diarrhea and nausea to more serious ones, such as kidney problems and bone issues. It also can interact with other medications, so consulting with a doctor is essential.

Descovy is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed to treat HIV and lower the risk of contracting HIV. Descovy contains two active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.

Descovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to:

  • Treat HIV: Descovy is FDA-approved for use in combination with other HIV medications to treat HIV in adults and in children who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds (lb). Descovy may also be used in children weighing at least 14 kg (about 31 lb) to less than 35 kg. In this second group of children, Descovy is used in combination with certain other HIV medications. (These other drugs cannot be protease inhibitors that require use with other drugs.)
  • Reduce the risk of HIV: Descovy is also used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. This use is called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is for people who don’t have HIV but are at risk for contracting the virus. It’s used for this purpose in adults and adolescents (children ages 12 years and older) who weigh at least 35 kg. However, Descovy is not approved for PrEP in females who are at risk for contracting HIV through vaginal intercourse.

Note: The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Descovy below.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Descovy to treat or prevent certain conditions.

Descovy is FDA-approved for use as HIV PrEP. PrEP treatment is when a person uses HIV medication before they might come into contact with HIV. This helps prevent them from contracting HIV.

Descovy is approved as HIV PrEP for adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds (lb). It’s used for this purpose in people who are at risk for contracting HIV but who don’t already have the virus.

Before starting Descovy for PrEP, your doctor will test you for HIV. They must confirm that you’re HIV-negative before you begin Descovy for PrEP.

Descovy is not approved for use as HIV PrEP in females who are at risk for contracting HIV through vaginal intercourse.

For more information about this condition, see our HIV and AIDS hub.

Who’s at risk for contracting HIV?

People at risk for contracting HIV include those who:

  • have a sexual partner who has HIV
  • are sexually active in a geographic area where HIV is widespread and have other risk factors, such as:

Children and Descovy for PrEP

Descovy is FDA-approved for HIV PrEP in adolescents who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds (lb) and are at risk for HIV.

The FDA approved Descovy for use for HIV PrEP in adolescents based on clinical studies of Descovy used for HIV PrEP in adults.

In addition to its use for PrEP, Descovy is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat HIV in adults and in children who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds (lb).

Descovy may also be used in children weighing at least 14 kg (about 31 lb) to less than 35 kg. However, it’s only used for this weight range when taken with certain other HIV medications. These include medications other than protease inhibitors (a type of HIV medication) that require use with certain other drugs.

Descovy is used in combination with other HIV medications to treat HIV.

About HIV

HIV is a virus that’s transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Once a person has contracted HIV, the virus will attack certain cells in their immune system. (The immune system helps the body fight off infection and disease.)

If HIV is left untreated, it reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infection. Eventually, untreated HIV puts the person who has it at risk for potentially fatal diseases. This is typically when a person is diagnosed with stage 3 HIV, the most severe stage of HIV.

For more information about this condition, see our HIV and AIDS hub.

Children and Descovy for HIV

Descovy is used to treat HIV in children weighing 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds (lb), or more. It’s used in combination with other HIV drugs for this purpose.

Descovy is also used to treat HIV in children who weigh at least 14 kg (about 31 lb) to less than 35 kg. However, it’s only used for this weight range when taken with certain other HIV medications. These include medications other than protease inhibitors that require use with certain other drugs.

Examples of such drugs that shouldn’t be used for this age range (in combination with Descovy) include:

  • atazanavir/cobicistat (Evotaz)
  • darunavir/cobicistat (Prezcobix)

When Descovy is used to treat HIV, it’s taken in combination with other drugs. It’s never used on its own for this purpose.

Examples of other drugs that Descovy is used with include:

  • dolutegravir (Tivicay)
  • raltegravir (Isentress)
  • darunavir/cobicistat (Prezcobix)
  • darunavir (Prezista)
  • atazanavir (Reyataz)
  • atazanavir/cobicistat (Evotaz)
  • doravirine (Pifeltro)
  • efavirenz (Sustiva)
  • rilpivirine (Edurant)

Descovy is taken on its own when used as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Descovy comes as a tablet that’s taken by mouth. It’s available in two strengths:

  • 200 milligrams (mg) of emtricitabine/25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide
  • 120 milligrams (mg) of emtricitabine/15 mg of tenofovir alafenamide

Dosage for HIV

The usual recommended dosage for HIV treatment is one 200-mg emtricitabine/25-mg tenofovir alafenamide tablet taken once a day. This is for adults and children who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds (lb).

Descovy must be used in combination with other HIV medications for this purpose.

Dosage for PrEP

The usual recommended dosage for PrEP is 200-mg emtricitabine/25-mg tenofovir alafenamide tablet taken once a day. This is for adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg (about 77 lb).

Descovy is used on its own for this purpose.

Pediatric dosage

The usual recommended dosage for HIV treatment in children varies with body weight.

For children weighing:

  • 14 kg to less than 25 kg (about 31 lb to less than 55 lb), their dosage is one 120-mg emtricitabine/15-mg tenofovir alafenamide tablet taken once per day.
  • 25 kg to less than 35 kg (about 55 lb to 77 lb), their dosage is one 200-mg emtricitabine/25-mg tenofovir alafenamide tablet taken once per day.

In both instances, other drugs taken in combination with Descovy cannot be protease inhibitors that require use with other drugs.

For dosage recommendations for children weighing 35 kg (about 77 lb) or more, see “Dosage for HIV” above.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Descovy, take it as soon as you remember. However, it’s important that you don’t miss doses of Descovy.

Descovy’s effectiveness to treat or prevent HIV depends on taking the drug regularly and not missing any doses.

If you’re taking Descovy to treat HIV, missing doses can cause the virus to become resistant to the drug. Resistance means the virus is less sensitive or doesn’t respond to the drug. This can lead to the drug becoming less effective or not effective for you.

If you’re taking Descovy to prevent HIV (as PrEP), missing doses raises your risk for contracting HIV.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Descovy is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Descovy is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Descovy overdose

Taking more than the recommended dosage of Descovy can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Descovy than your doctor recommends.

If you think you’ve taken too much Descovy, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Descovy is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Descovy contains two active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.)

Descovy can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Descovy. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Descovy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Descovy and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

For more information on the possible side effects of Descovy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

Here is a partial list of mild side effects of Descovy. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or see Descovy’s prescribing information.

  • headache
  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Descovy aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects can include:

  • immune reconstitution syndrome (when your immune system strengthens and reduces HIV infection symptoms, but then responds to other infections you may have had and causes unexpected infection symptoms)
  • new or worsening kidney damage
  • liver damage
  • lactic acidosis
  • loss of bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis
  • risk of worsening of hepatitis B*
  • risk of resistance to Descovy treatment*

* Descovy has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. To learn more, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.

Side effects in children

In clinical studies of Descovy in children, the side effects were similar to those seen in adults.

However, in one group of children ages 6 to 12 years old, there was a decrease in CD4 cell counts. CD4 cells are immune system cells that HIV attacks. As HIV makes more copies of itself in your body, the number of healthy CD4 cells goes down. The CD4 cell count is one way that doctors monitor your body’s response to medication. Higher CD4 counts indicate better immune system health and greater ability to fight off infection.

In one clinical study, the children received Descovy after HIV had already been suppressed in their bodies. (Suppression means the virus was at very low or undetectable levels.) After 48 weeks of Descovy treatment, the children’s CD4 cell counts were decreased by a small amount. This decrease in CD4 cell counts wasn’t seen in children ages 12 to 18 years old who were new to HIV treatment.

Your child’s doctor will monitor their CD4 cell counts before and during treatment with Descovy. They will recommend the best treatment option to keep your child’s immune system healthy.

Allergic reaction

For some people, descovy can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Descovy, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Other drugs are available that can treat or prevent HIV. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Descovy, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Alternatives to treat HIV

Other medications that can be used to treat HIV include:

  • bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (Biktarvy)
  • cabotegravir/rilpivirine (Cabenuva)
  • dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (Triumeq)
  • dolutegravir/rilpivirine (Juluca)
  • dolutegravir (Tivicay)
  • tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (Truvada)
  • raltegravir (Isentress)
  • elvitegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/cobicistat (Genvoya)
  • elvitegravir/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine/cobicistat (Stribild)
  • darunavir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/cobicistat (Symtuza)
  • atazanavir/cobicistat (Evotaz)
  • abacavir/lamivudine (Epzicom)
  • efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Symfi)

There are many other combinations of drugs available that can treat HIV. Ask your doctor for details.

Alternative for HIV PrEP

The only other medication that’s approved by the FDA to be used as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (Truvada).

You may wonder how Descovy compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Descovy and Truvada are alike and different. For an in-depth comparison these drugs, see this article.

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.

Uses

Descovy and Truvada are both used to treat HIV. Descovy is used for this purpose in adults and in children who weigh at least 14 kilograms (kg), which is about 31 lb, to less than 35 kg, which is about 77 pounds (lb). Truvada is used for this purpose in adults and in children who weigh at least 17 kg (about 37 lb).

Descovy and Truvada are both used along with other HIV medications when used to treat HIV. (In children weighing at least 14 kg to less than 35 kg, Descovy is used in combination with certain other HIV medications.)

Descovy and Truvada are also both used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. This use is called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Descovy and Truvada are used as HIV PrEP in people who are at risk for contracting HIV. Both drugs can be used in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg.

Descovy is not meant to be used for HIV PrEP in females who are at risk for contracting HIV through vaginal intercourse. Truvada can be used for HIV PrEP in people at risk of contracting HIV this way, however.

Drug forms and administration

Descovy comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once per day. It can be taken with or without food.

Truvada also comes as a tablet that you take by mouth. It’s typically taken once per day, with or without food.

Side effects and risks

Descovy and Truvada have some similar side effects and others that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Truvada or with both drugs (when taken individually). Side effects may differ based on whether you’re using the drugs to treat or prevent HIV.

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Descovy and Truvada (when taken individually).

  • severe allergic reactions
  • immune reconstitution syndrome (when your immune system strengthens and reduces HIV infection symptoms, but then responds to other infections you may have had and causes unexpected infection symptoms)
  • new or worsening kidney damage
  • liver damage
  • lactic acidosis (buildup of lactic acid in your body)
  • loss of bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis
  • risk of worsening of hepatitis B*
  • risk of resistance to Descovy or Truvada treatment*

* Descovy and Truvada have a boxed warning from the FDA for this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. To learn more about this warning for Descovy, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.

Costs

Descovy and Truvada are both brand-name drugs. There is currently no generic form of Descovy. However, there is a generic form of Truvada. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Descovy and Biktarvy are prescribed for similar uses. Below are details of how these medications are alike and different.

Ingredients

Descovy contains two active drugs: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.

Biktarvy contains three active drugs: emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide, and bictegravir.

Uses

Descovy is used to treat HIV in adults and in children who weigh at least at least 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds (lb). Descovy may also be used in children weighing at least 14 kg (about 31 lb) to less than 35 kg. It’s used for these children in combination with certain other HIV medications, excluding protease inhibitors that require use with other drugs.

Descovy is used in combination with other HIV medications to treat HIV.

Descovy is also used on its own as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults and adolescents who are at risk for contracting HIV. It’s used for this purpose in people weighing 35 kg or more.

Descovy is not used as HIV PrEP in females who are at risk for contracting HIV through vaginal intercourse.

Biktarvy is used to treat HIV in adults and in children weighing at least 14 kg. It’s used for this purpose in people who are new to HIV treatment.

Biktarvy is also used to treat HIV in people who have each of the following:

  • HIV levels of less than 50 copies/mL
  • stable history of treatment
  • no treatment failures (situation in which the drug did not work for them)
  • no genetic changes that cause their HIV to be resistant (insensitive) to the active drugs in Biktarvy

Biktarvy is considered a complete treatment regimen. It doesn’t need to be taken with other HIV medications.

Drug forms and administration

Descovy and Biktarvy both come as tablets that you take by mouth once a day. They can both be taken with or without food.

Side effects and risks

Descovy and Biktarvy both contain emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. Therefore, these medications can cause similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Biktarvy or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Descovy:
    • no unique common side effects
  • Can occur with Biktarvy:
  • Can occur with both Descovy and Biktarvy:

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Descovy or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Descovy:
    • loss of bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis
    • risk of resistance to Descovy treatment*
  • Can occur with Biktarvy:
    • no unique serious side effects
  • Can occur with both Descovy and Biktarvy:
    • immune reconstitution syndrome (when your immune system strengthens and reduces HIV infection symptoms, but then responds to other infections you may have had and causes unexpected infection symptoms)
    • new or worsening kidney damage
    • liver damage
    • lactic acidosis (buildup of lactic acid in your body)
    • severe allergic reactions
    • risk of worsening of hepatitis B†

* Descovy has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this risk. A boxed warning is the most serious warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. To learn more about this warning for Descovy, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.
† Descovy and Biktarvy have a boxed warning from the FDA for this risk. To learn more about this warning for Descovy, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.

Costs

Descovy and Biktarvy are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no generic forms of either drug. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

As with all medications, the cost of Descovy can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Your insurance plan may require you to get prior authorization before approving coverage for Descovy. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the request and let you and your doctor know if your plan will cover Descovy.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Descovy, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Descovy, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Gilead Sciences, Inc., the manufacturer of Descovy, offers a program called Gilead Advancing Access. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-226-2056 or visit the program website.

Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

There’s no known interaction between Descovy and alcohol.

Treatment guidelines recommend that people with HIV and people at risk for HIV who drink alcohol limit their intake to moderate amounts. (This is considered one drink per day for females or two drinks per day for males.)

The guidelines state that drinking in moderation is thought to decrease your chances of engaging in risky behavior, such as having sex without using a condom or another barrier method. Always using a barrier method can lower your risk of transmitting HIV to someone else or contracting HIV yourself if you don’t have it.

If you drink alcohol, limiting the amount you drink can also help your immune system continue to keep HIV at low levels in your blood.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you while taking Descovy.

Descovy can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Descovy and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Descovy. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Descovy.

Before taking Descovy, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Descovy and certain seizure drugs

Taking Descovy with certain seizure drugs can lower the level of tenofovir alafenamide in your body. (Tenofovir alafenamide is one of the active drugs in Descovy.) Reduced levels of this drug can make Descovy less effective for you.

Examples of seizure drugs that can cause this interaction include:

  • carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol)
  • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)

If you need to take a seizure medication with Descovy, your doctor may prescribe a seizure drug other than the ones listed.

Descovy and certain antibiotics or antivirals

Taking Descovy with certain antibiotics is not recommended. This is because these antibiotics can decrease the level of tenofovir alafenamide (one of the active drugs in Descovy) in your body.

Antibiotics that are not recommended to be taken with Descovy include:

  • rifabutin (Mycobutin)
  • rifampin (Rimactane)
  • rifapentine (Priftin)

If you need to take one of these antibiotics with Descovy, your doctor may recommend either a different antibiotic or a different HIV drug.

Other antibiotics or antivirals may cause Descovy levels to increase to unsafe amounts and may cause kidney damage. This is because certain antibiotics and antivirals prevent your kidneys from passing Descovy in your urine. Examples of these drugs include:

  • gentamicin (Gentak)
  • valacyclovir (Valtrex)
  • valganciclovir (Valcyte)
  • acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • ganciclovir (Zirgan)

If you need to take one of these antibiotics or antivirals while taking Descovy, your doctor may monitor your kidney function more closely than usual. They may also recommend a different treatment option for one of your conditions.

Descovy and tipranavir and ritonavir

Taking Descovy with both tipranavir (Aptivus) and ritonavir (Norvir), another combination of HIV drugs, can decrease levels of tenofovir alafenamide in your body. (Tenofovir alafenamide is one of the active drugs in Descovy.) This can make Descovy less effective for you. Taking Descovy with these drugs is not recommended.

Descovy and herbs and supplements

Taking Descovy with the herbal supplement St. John’s wort is not recommended. St. John’s wort can decrease levels of tenofovir alafenamide (one of the active drugs in Descovy) in your body. This can make Descovy less effective for you.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbs or supplements while taking Descovy.

It is unknown if Descovy is safe to take during pregnancy. In animal studies, there were no harmful effects to the developing fetus seen when the pregnant animal received either of the active drugs in Descovy. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

There is a pregnancy registry called the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry that collects information about Descovy use during pregnancy. (All drugs used to prevent or treat HIV are called antiretrovirals.)

This pregnancy registry was created to help healthcare professionals determine how safe antiretroviral drugs are for use during pregnancy.

If you’ve taken Descovy during pregnancy, you’re encouraged to enroll in the registry by visiting the website or by calling 800-258-4263. You can also talk with your doctor about enrolling.

Guidelines for pregnancy and HIV

Treatment guidelines recommend that all pregnant people with HIV in the United States receive HIV treatment. This recommendation is made to protect the health of both the pregnant person and the fetus.

If you’re pregnant and have HIV, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

It is unknown if Descovy is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Descovy.

You should not breastfeed while taking Descovy if you have HIV.

Emtricitabine, one of the active drugs in Descovy, passes into human breast milk. It is unknown if tenofovir alafenamide, the other active drug in Descovy, also does. You should not breastfeed while taking Descovy because of the risk of side effects and possible development of HIV resistance (the virus is no longer sensitive to the drug) in a child who’s breastfed.

You should take Descovy according to your doctor or another healthcare professional’s instructions.

When to take

Descovy should be taken once a day, at roughly the same time each day.

If you’re taking Descovy for HIV PrEP, you should take it every day, not just when you think you may be exposed to HIV.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.

Taking Descovy with food

Descovy can be taken with or without food.

Can Descovy be crushed, split, or chewed?

The manufacturer of Descovy hasn’t provided information about whether it’s safe to crush, split, or chew Descovy tablets. If you have trouble swallowing Descovy tablets, talk with your pharmacist or doctor. They can recommend ways to help you take your medication.

Descovy is approved by the FDA to treat HIV in adults and certain children. It’s also approved for use as HIV PrEP in certain adults and adolescents. HIV PrEP is used to prevent someone from getting HIV.

What HIV does in your body

HIV is a virus that’s transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids. Once a person contracts HIV, the virus will attack certain cells in their immune system. Your immune system is your body’s natural defense against infection and disease.

HIV targets immune system cells called CD4 cells (also called T cells). CD4 cells are white blood cells that help coordinate your immune system’s response to infection. If HIV is not treated, your CD4 cell count will decrease. This reduces your immune system’s ability to fight off infection.

Eventually, your CD4 cell count can decrease to dangerously low levels, putting you at risk for potentially fatal diseases (called opportunistic infections). This is typically when a person is diagnosed with stage 3 HIV, the most severe stage of HIV.

However, treatment can reduce the amount of HIV in your blood to very low or undetectable levels. If your HIV levels remain low enough, you can live as long as somebody without HIV, with little to no risk of transmitting HIV to someone else.

How Descovy fights HIV

Descovy contains two drugs that are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). These drugs prevent HIV from multiplying (making more virus). They do this by blocking an enzyme (type of protein) that the virus needs in order to copy its genetic material.

Because the virus can’t multiply, it can’t grow and spread. As a result, your HIV levels will decrease, and your CD4 cell counts will increase. This allows your immune system to fight off infection more effectively.

If you’re taking Descovy to prevent HIV, the drug works by stopping the virus from even starting to attack your immune system.

How long does it take to work?

Descovy begins working in your body within hours after you take a dose. If you’re taking Descovy for HIV PrEP, this helps prevent HIV very soon after you start taking it. Although Descovy may begin working soon after it’s taken for PrEP, it’s recommended that you take the drug for at least 7 days to ensure maximum prevention.

If you’re taking Descovy to treat HIV, it may take several weeks or months before your HIV levels decrease and your CD4 cell counts return to your usual levels.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Descovy.

If I have kidney problems, can I take Descovy?

Possibly. If you have mild or moderate kidney problems, you can take Descovy, but your doctor will likely monitor your kidney function more closely than usual. If you have severe kidney problems, you may not be able to take Descovy. Talk with your doctor about your kidney health to find out if Descovy is safe for you.

Does Descovy cure HIV?

No, and in fact, there is currently no true cure for HIV. Certain medications can suppress (lower) your HIV blood levels to undetectable amounts, but it’s still not known if this means the virus has been completely eliminated.

Keep taking Descovy for as long as your doctor prescribes it, even if your HIV levels are suppressed.

If I’m using Descovy for PrEP, what else can I do to help protect against HIV?

Most importantly, you should remember to take Descovy every single day. Missing doses raises your risk for contracting HIV.

You can also help protect yourself by using barrier methods (such as condoms) every time you engage in sexual activity. Use water-based or silicone-based lubricants with condoms to help prevent them from slipping or breaking.

Can Descovy be used for PrEP by cisgender women?

No, Descovy is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as HIV PrEP by cisgender women.

Cisgender women are those who identify with the gender identity they were assigned at birth. In other words, cisgender women are people who were identified by healthcare professionals as being female at birth.

This lack of approval is because Descovy hasn’t been tested for PrEP effectiveness in females who are at risk for HIV through vaginal intercourse.

It is unknown if Descovy will protect you from HIV If you’re a person who can contract HIV through vaginal sex. Talk with your doctor about your HIV risk. They can recommend the most effective prevention options for you.

This drug comes with several precautions.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about risk of worsening hepatitis B and risk of resistance to Descovy treatment. See the “FDA warnings” box at the top of this article for details.

    Other precautions

    Before taking Descovy, talk with your doctor about your health history. Descovy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

    • Kidney problems: Descovy has caused new or worsening kidney problems in some people. Talk with your doctor about any kidney problems you may have. They will determine whether Descovy is safe for you.
    • Liver problems: The active drugs in Descovy have caused severe liver problems in some people. Some of these people have died. Talk with your doctor about any liver problems you have. (This includes hepatitis B; see the FDA warning above.) They will determine whether Descovy is safe for you.
    • Pregnancy: It is unknown if Descovy is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Descovy and pregnancy” section above.
    • Breastfeeding: You should not breastfeed while taking Descovy for HIV. For more information, see the “Descovy and breastfeeding” section above.

    Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.