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Compare Stribild vs. Descovy

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

Key takeaways

Stribild (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Stribild is a single-tablet regimen that includes an integrase inhibitor, two NRTIs, and a booster, while Descovy contains only two NRTIs and must be taken with another medication for complete HIV treatment. Stribild must be taken with food, whereas Descovy can be taken with or without food. Descovy is also preferred for HIV prevention (PrEP) but is not effective for receptive vaginal sex, while Stribild can be used for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Stribild has more potential side effects, including kidney and bone problems, and is not recommended for people with kidney or liver issues. Descovy is considered safer for the kidneys and bones but still requires regular monitoring. Both medications can worsen hepatitis B if stopped suddenly, so it's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely.

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

  • Summary of Stribild vs. Descovy

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Stribild is a single-tablet-regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), elvitegravir (Vitekta), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir DF (Viread), and one booster medication, cobicistat (Tybost).

    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 Stribild 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 Stribild vs. Descovy

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
    •Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
    •One of the few single-tablet-regimens that contains an integrase inhibitor (a preferred HIV ARV subclass)
    •In clinical trials, caused less abnormal dreams than Atripla
    •Gilead copay card available for people with commercial health plans (not for use with Medicaid and Medicare plans)
    Cons
    •Must be taken with food
    •Dose can't be adjusted, so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Can cause kidney and bone problems
    •Interacts with a lot of medications
    •Not a good option for people who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant
    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 Stribild vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16%)
    •Diarrhea (12%)
    •Abnormal, strange dreams (9%)
    •Headache (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

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

  • Warnings of Stribild vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •CHANGES IN KIDNEY FUNCTION
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •DRUG INTERACTIONS
    •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 Stribild vs. Descovy

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