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Descovy vs. Truvada

Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription antiretroviral pill used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It's FDA approved for use with other HIV medications to treat HIV in adults and children. It's also approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV in adults and teens. You take it once a day by mouth, with or without food. Some common side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

• HIV treatment, in combination with other HIV medications - adults and children
• Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP) - adults and teens

• Diarrhea (5%)
• Nausea (4%)

Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) alone for PrEP.

• Worsening of hepatitis B infection
• Take extra steps to prevent HIV when used for PrEP
• Overactive immune system
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems and lactic acidosis

Truvada, also known as TDF/FTC, is a combination medication that contains the antiretrovirals emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada is used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis or prevention). This medication works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Truvada tablets are taken by mouth once daily. Side effects when it's used for treating HIV include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. And Truvada side effects when used for PrEP include headache and belly pain.

• Treatment of HIV infection
• Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis)

HIV treatment Note: Side effects for HIV treatment were reported by people taking Truvada with efavirenz (Sustiva).

• Higher cholesterol levels (22%)
• Higher creatine kinase levels (9%)
• Feeling tired (9%)
• Depression (9%)
• Nausea (9%)
• Diarrhea (9%)
• Dizziness (8%)
• Upper respiratory infections (8%)
• Sinus infection (congestion; 8%)
• Rash (7%)
• Headache (6%)

HIV PrEP (prevention)

• Headache (7%)
• Belly pain (4%)
• Lower weight (3%)

• Worsening of hepatitis B infection
• PrEP only for people who test negative for HIV
• Kidney problems
• Overactive immune system
• Bone problems
• Liver problems and lactic acidosis
• Interaction with other medications