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Compare Genvoya vs. Descovy

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Genvoya (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Genvoya is a combination of four medications, including two NRTIs, an INSTI, and a booster, and is taken once daily with food. Descovy, on the other hand, contains only two NRTIs and can be taken with or without food. Both medications are not available in generic forms. Descovy is also used for HIV prevention (PrEP) except for receptive vaginal sex. Genvoya is a complete regimen for HIV treatment, whereas Descovy must be combined with another medication for full HIV treatment. Both medications can worsen hepatitis B if stopped suddenly and require regular blood tests to monitor kidney health. Common side effects for both include nausea and diarrhea, but Genvoya also lists headache and tiredness more frequently.

  • Genvoya
    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
  • Genvoya
    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)

  • Summary of Genvoya vs. Descovy

    Summary for HIV ARV combo
    Prescription only

    Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in adults and children. It's made up of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide; an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) called elvitegravir; and a "booster" medication known as cobicistat. Genvoya is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include nausea and diarrhea. It's not available as a generic medication.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide), also known as FTC/TAF, is a combination antiretroviral. It's used as part of an antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Typically, this medication is taken by mouth once daily. Some common side effects of Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) include nausea and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Genvoya vs. Descovy

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    •Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP) through sexual intercourse, except for receptive vaginal sex

  • Pros and Cons of Genvoya vs. Descovy

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV combo
    Pros
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV treatment
    •Only taken once a day
    •Taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken with food
    •Can’t take while pregnant
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP
    •Safer for the kidneys and bones compared to Truvada, another PrEP medication
    Cons
    •Not a complete treatment for HIV (must take one other medication with it)
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your kidneys are healthy

  • Common Side Effects of Genvoya vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Feeling tired (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Descovy alone for PrEP.

  • Warnings of Genvoya vs. Descovy

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Genvoya vs. Descovy

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    Learn more about Descovy

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