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Compare Odefsey vs. Descovy

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

Key takeaways

Odefsey (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both combination medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Odefsey includes three antiretrovirals: rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, making it a complete single-tablet regimen for HIV treatment. In contrast, Descovy contains only two antiretrovirals: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, and must be taken with another medication to fully treat HIV. Additionally, Descovy is also approved for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), while Odefsey is not. Odefsey must be taken with a meal, whereas Descovy can be taken with or without food. Both medications are safer for your kidneys and bones compared to older treatments, but Odefsey has more potential interactions with other medications. Common side effects for Odefsey include headaches and sleep problems, while Descovy commonly causes nausea and diarrhea.

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

  • Summary of Odefsey vs. Descovy

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Odefsey is a single-tablet-regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), rilpivirine (Edurant), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir AF (Vemlidy). It's similar to Complera, but contains a newer version of tenofovir which causes less harmful effects on your kidneys and bones.

    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 Odefsey vs. Descovy

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

  • Pros and Cons of Odefsey vs. Descovy

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
    •Safer for your kidneys and bones when compared to Complera
    •Can be used in pregnancy at the same dose
    •Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
    •Not too many side effects
    Cons
    •Must be taken with a light meal
    •Dose can't be adjusted
    •Can't be used if the amount of virus (viral load) is too high
    •There are many medication interactions and it can't be taken with some medications used to treat tuberculosis, seizures, and stomach acid.
    •Not a first-choice treatment option for people new to HIV medications
    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 Odefsey vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (2%)
    •Sleep problems (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

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

  • Warnings of Odefsey vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS AND TOXICITY
    •DEPRESSION AND CHANGES IN MOOD
    •KIDNEY PROBLEMS
    •BONE PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    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 Odefsey vs. Descovy

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