Key takeaways
Tivicay (dolutegravir) and Stribild (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Tivicay is an integrase inhibitor that blocks the enzyme HIV uses to insert its genetic material into your cells, while Stribild combines an integrase inhibitor (elvitegravir) with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and a booster (cobicistat) to prevent the virus from making copies of itself. Tivicay is available only as a brand-name medication and comes in two formulations: a tablet and a tablet for suspension, which can be mixed with water. Tivicay is taken with other HIV antiretrovirals to make up a complete treatment regimen. Stribild, on the other hand, is a single-tablet regimen that must be taken with food to ensure proper absorption. Tivicay can be used for both treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), while Stribild is also used for PEP but is not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems. Additionally, Tivicay has a risk of causing neural tube defects if taken during early pregnancy, whereas Stribild is also not a preferred option for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Both medications interact with many other drugs, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your healthcare provider.
