What is Descovy?

Descovy is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children 12 years and older weighing at least 35 kg (77 lbs). It is also approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg[1][6].

## Key Features

- Composition: Fixed-dose combination of emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)[1][5]

- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits HIV viral replication by targeting reverse transcriptase[2][5]

- Administration: Taken once daily with or without food[1]

## Efficacy

Clinical trials have demonstrated Descovy's non-inferiority to other HIV treatments, with high rates of viral suppression. In one study, 74.8% of patients in the TAF treatment group achieved viral suppression at 24 weeks[5].

## Side Effects

Common side effects include:

- Headache

- Diarrhea

- Nausea

- Fatigue

- Dizziness[1][3]

Serious side effects may include:

- Lactic acidosis

- Severe liver problems

- Worsening of hepatitis B (after discontinuation)

- Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)[1][3]

## Warnings

Descovy carries boxed warnings for:

1. Severe worsening of hepatitis B upon discontinuation

2. HIV resistance if used incorrectly for PrEP[3]

## Drug Interactions

Descovy may interact with other medications. It is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 transporters[5].

## Conclusion

Descovy represents an important option in HIV treatment and prevention. However, it should be used under close medical supervision due to potential side effects and drug interactions. Regular monitoring of kidney function, bone density, and liver health is recommended for patients on Descovy[1][3].

Citations:

[1] https://www.drugs.com/descovy.html

[2] https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/projects/descovy-emtricitabine-tenofovir-alafenamide-for-the-treatment-of-hiv-1-infection/

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/descovy-side-effects

[4] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-171500/descovy-oral/details

[5] https://www.pshp.org/news/346036/Drug-review-Descovy.htm

[6] https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/drugs/emtricitabine-tenofovir-alafenamide/patient

[7] https://www.drugs.com/pro/descovy.html

[8] https://www.iapac.org/fact-sheet/descovy/

[9] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/208215s012lbl.pdf