Key takeaways
Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) and Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Dovato is a complete HIV treatment regimen with just two antiretroviral (ARV) medications, while Truvada must be taken with another HIV medication to be effective for treatment of HIV. Dovato is not used for HIV prevention (PrEP), whereas Truvada is a preferred option for PrEP. Dovato combines an integrase inhibitor and a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), while Truvada contains two NRTIs. Truvada is available as a lower-cost generic, but Dovato does not have a generic form. Both medications are taken once daily, but Dovato has more potential interactions with other medications. Additionally for the treatment of HIV, Dovato is approved for patients 12 years or older and weighing more than 55 pounds kg, while Truvada can be used in children who weigh at least 37 pounds.
