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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 Antiretroviral
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Genvoya vs. Descovy

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

  • 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 Antiretroviral
    Pros
    •Pill taken once a day
    •Treats and prevents HIV
    •Fewer kidney and bone side effects than Truvada
    Cons
    •Not approved for PrEP in people at risk from vaginal sex
    •Common side effects are diarrhea and nausea
    •Requires regular lab tests

  • 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 (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) 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
    •Take extra steps to prevent HIV when used for PrEP
    •Overactive immune system
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis

  • Prices with our coupons for Genvoya vs. Descovy

    Learn more about Genvoya
    Learn more about Descovy

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