Key takeaways
Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both combination medications used to treat and prevent HIV infection but there are some key differences. Truvada is available as a lower-cost generic, while Descovy is not. Both medications are taken once daily and work by stopping the virus from making copies of itself. However, Truvada can be used to prevent HIV from both sexual activity and injection drug use, whereas Descovy is not approved for prevention from sharing injection supplies or receptive vaginal sex. Descovy is considered safer for your kidneys and bones compared to Truvada. Common side effects of Truvada include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, while Descovy commonly causes nausea and diarrhea. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor your health.
