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Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir) prescription available online

If you are at risk of developing HIV infection, Descovy for PrEP can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Descovy from a board-certified doctor online.*

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About Descovy for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

Descovy is a type of medication called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a combination antiretroviral medication that blocks the HIV infection from entering the body’s cells. Active ingredients in Descovy are two antiretroviral drugs called emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.

Like any antiretroviral agent, this medication can only be used for lowering HIV risk, i.e. preventing HIV, or treating HIV infection in conjunction with other medicines. Because Descovy has not been studied for the prevention of getting HIV during receptive vaginal sex, there is not enough data to say that it can effectively be used in those patients. An alternative option, brand name Truvada, is effective and available for heterosexuals and cis women.

Some conditions that Descovy is known to treat include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at risk of getting HIV infection. It can also help treat HIV in combination with other HIV medications. Descovy is available only by prescription.

Descovy may be prescribed as a film-coated tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

If you are prescribed Descovy, be sure to take your antiretroviral medication as directed by your doctor, unless your doctor specifically advises you to stop.

If you don’t take Descovy daily as prescribed, it may not fully protect you against HIV infection.

Descovy for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) uses

There are two FDA-approved uses for Descovy, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions.

HIV-1 treatment

FDA approved Descovy for treating HIV-1 infection, but only in combination with other HIV medications. Descovy is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients who weigh at least 35kg (77lbs).

Descovy is also indicated in combination with antiretroviral medications other than protease inhibitors that require a CYP3A inhibitor for HIV-1 infection treatment in pediatric patients who weigh at least 25kg (55lbs) but less than 35kg.

HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Descovy is also approved by FDA as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medicine taken to prevent HIV. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide i.e. Descovy is approved for adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35kg. In this case, the main goal of Descovy is to lower the risk of HIV-1 infection from sexual exposure.

However, Descovy is not meant to prevent HIV-1 infection in cis women i.e. individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex as it has not been studied sufficiently to ensure effectiveness. Immediately before initiating Descovy for HIV-1 prevention, a person should have a negative HIV-1 test.

Descovy for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) side effects

The side effects associated with taking Descovy are typically mild. Most Descovy side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.

Common side effects may include:

Fatigue
Headache
Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain)
Decreased bone mineral density

Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

Lactic acidosis
Severe liver problems
Kidney failure
Angioedema (swelling under skin and mucus membranes of eyes, face, and lips)

You should call your healthcare provider if you notice any of these side effects or develop any other new or concerning symptoms, and call 911 right away if any severe symptoms.

How to take Descovy for PrEP

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Descovy prescription.

Read your prescription label and follow the instructions or medication guide. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Descovy can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed for adults and adolescents once a day. Some specific instructions may include taking the tablet at the same time every day.

What to avoid while taking Descovy for PrEP

Descovy has many possible drug interactions. Some of the most significant drug interactions include certain anticonvulsants, high doses of NSAIDs, medications for treating hepatitis B, some protease inhibitors, and others.

Don’t change your actions without checking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products.

It is essential to adhere to the healthcare provider’s instructions when taking Descovy. Make sure to inform a healthcare provider if you have liver problems, bone problems, kidney problems, allergies, or other health conditions that may affect how Descovy works.

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Descovy.

Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may not interfere with Descovy. However, heavy use of alcohol is not a good idea. Alcohol may also affect a person’s adherence to Descovy and thereby lead to missed doses.

Medication alternatives to Descovy for PrEP

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for HIV prevention or treatment or an antiretroviral drug in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir)

HIV treatment (in combination with other medications)

Ziagen (abacavir)

Emtriva (emtricitabine)

Epivir (lamivudine)

Retrovir (zidovudine)

Edurant (rilpivirine)

Sustiva (efavirenz)

Aptivus (tipranavir)

Norvir (ritonavir)

Lexviva (fosamprenavir)

Epzicom (abacavir and lamivudine)

Trizivir (abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine)

Descovy for PrEP prescription FAQs

How much does Descovy cost?

The cost of Descovy may vary from one pharmacy to another. Without insurance, the price for a 30-day Descovy supply is around $2,156 or goes up to $2,400 and higher. In most cases, the costs of Descovy aren’t below $2,000. However, some programs make it possible for patients to get Descovy at a discounted price. There is also a similar medication called Truvada which is available in a generic, and lower-cost, form.

What is the difference between Truvada and Descovy?

Both can be part of HIV treatment or used by themselves as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Truvada has been around longer and is available in a generic form. Descovy may be slightly safer for those patients with a history of bone or kidney problems, but otherwise, they are equally as safe for most patients.

How can I refill my Descovy prescription?

You can refill the Descovy prescription by scheduling an appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, the doctor can then order the refill, which you can pick up at your local pharmacy.

When is the best time to take Descovy?

It is recommended to take Descovy once a day. There is no specific time of day that is considered best. Instead, you should focus on taking the Descovy tablet at the same time every day.

What should not be taken with Descovy?

Descovy shouldn’t be taken with medications for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection (adefovir), high doses of NSAIDs, certain anticonvulsants, and some herbal or nutritional supplements such as St. John’s wort. You shouldn’t take the drug with medications that may harm the kidneys such as aminoglycosides like amikacin/gentamicin.

Descovy can reduce the effectiveness of some other HIV medicines such as protease inhibitor medication called atazanavir. It does so by decreasing blood levels. Patients taking atazanavir with Descovy may also need to use ritonavir to avoid side effects.

Can you take Descovy on an empty stomach?

You can take Descovy with or without food. You can take it on an empty stomach or after a meal. There is no specific requirement that says you should take Descovy only with food or on an empty stomach.

The most important thing is to take Descovy at the same time every day.

The best thing to do is to adhere to the instructions provided by a healthcare provider. They will explain how to take Descovy and when.

Who should not take Descovy?

People who are allergic to Descovy or any of its ingredients shouldn’t take this medicine. You shouldn’t take the medication if you have kidney or liver problems, and people who already have HIV-1 infection.

Keep in mind that Descovy is meant for pre-exposure prophylaxis in people who do not have HIV to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Taking this nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor when you already have HIV-1 infection can make the virus resistant to the therapy meaning Descovy wouldn’t be able to treat it effectively.

It is unknown whether Descovy is safe to take during pregnancy. You shouldn’t take it unless the healthcare provider specifies otherwise. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid taking Descovy because one of its active ingredients, emtricitabine, passes into breast milk.

Pediatric patients who don't weigh at least 35kg shouldn't use Descovy as well.

What happens if I miss a dose of Descovy?

First, don’t panic. Missing one dose of Descovy doesn’t significantly reduce the level of protection. Do your best to take the medication regularly.

If you miss a dose of Descovy, take a missed dose as soon as you remember. A good rule is that if you have missed a dose and it hasn’t been more than 12 hours since you’re scheduled to take it, you should take Descovy as soon as you think about it.

But, if it’s close to the next dose i.e. it’s been more than 12 hours since you’re scheduled to take the Descovy pill, you should skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule.

Avoid taking a double dose of Descovy because it doesn’t increase the effectiveness of PrEP. Instead, it increases the risk of side effects.

If you can’t take the daily dose of Descovy at the usual time, try to take it as close to the same time as possible.

What happens if I take too much Descovy?

If you take too much Descovy makes sure to contact your healthcare professional, go to the emergency room, or contact your local Poison Control Center immediately. Taking too much Descovy could lead to serious side effects like lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis refers to the buildup of lactic acid in your bloodstream. In the most severe cases, taking too much Descovy can be fatal.

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Book a visit with a doctor to discuss Descovy.

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Step 2

Talk to your physician regarding Descovy medication.

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Step 3

Pick up your Descovy medication, if prescribed.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

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