Descovy ratings & reviews

Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide
Company: Gilead
Brand: Descovy
Drug class: General Anti-infectives Systemic
+4 more
General Anti-infectives Systemic, Antivirals For Systemic Use, HIV Antivirals, Combination HIV Antivirals, Nucleoside and Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) Combinations

Sermo AI Overview

  • Some emergency physicians raise concerns about Descovy's efficacy, highlighting variability in performance across different specialties. While its renal safety is an advantage, there remains a need for broader availability for patients.
  • Descovy is well-regarded for its effectiveness and tolerability in HIV treatment, with healthcare providers acknowledging its high safety ratings. However, accessibility issues can impact patient experiences and adherence in specific regions.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Descovy is a medication in tablet form containing the active ingredients emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. It is available in two dosage strengths for oral use. Key inactive ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose, with film coatings containing various additional compounds.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -High lactic acid level—muscle pain or cramps, stomach pain, trouble breathing, general discomfort and fatigue -Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat -Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Fatigue -Headache -Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Kidney disease -Liver disease -An unusual or allergic reaction to emtricitabine, tenofovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Adefovir -Any medication that contains emtricitabine or tenofovir -Any medication that contains lamivudine This medication may also interact with the following: -Certain antibiotics, such as rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, or aminoglycosides -Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin -Medications for viral infections, such as cidofovir, acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, or valganciclovir -NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen -St. John's wort -Tipranavir with ritonavir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medication. HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV. If you have hepatitis B, talk to your care team if you plan to stop this medication. The symptoms of hepatitis B may get worse if you stop this medication.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your care team. If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, the symptoms of hepatitis B may worsen when you stop taking this medication. Your care team will check your liver and general health after treatment is stopped. You may need to take other medications if your hepatitis flares or returns.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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