Descovy

Before you start Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide), your prescriber will test you for hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you already have hepatitis B, stopping Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) could suddenly make your liver condition worse (called an HBV flare-up). Don't stop taking the medication without talking with your prescriber first. Make sure to get your refills on time so you don't miss any doses. If you do need to stop taking the medication, your prescriber might continue to check your liver with blood tests for several months to watch for signs of an HBV flare-up.

Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) might not always fully prevent HIV infection, so it’s important to use other ways to protect yourself too. This includes practicing safer sex (like using condoms), knowing your partner’s HIV status, and getting tested at least every 3 months for HIV and other STIs. Taking Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) on time every day helps lower your chance of getting HIV.

Taking Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) can cause changes to your immune system known as immune reconstitution syndrome. This can happen when your immune system becomes more active after starting treatment and begins to fight infections it was too weak to handle before. You might notice signs of infections like tuberculosis (TB) or cytomegalovirus (CMV). In rare cases, your immune system might become so strong that it starts attacking healthy parts of your body, also known as an autoimmune response. These symptoms can show up even months after starting treatment. Always let your care team know if you notice new or unusual symptoms while taking your HIV medication.

Some people who take Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) have had kidney problems. To help protect your kidneys, try to avoid other medications that can also harm the kidneys, like high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Before you start Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide), and during treatment, your prescriber will check your kidney health with blood tests and urine tests. Let your prescriber know right away if you experience bone or muscle pain, pain in your arms or legs, and general weakness that doesn't go away. These might be signs of kidney problems.

In rare cases, Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) can cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is when too much acid builds up in your blood. It can also cause severe liver problems which can sometimes be life-threatening.