Descovy is a medication used as part of a strategy to prevent HIV infection in individuals who are HIV-negative. It serves as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, helping to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual activity.
What Descovy Is
Descovy is a combination tablet containing two active ingredients: emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Both are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They interfere with the HIV life cycle.
How Descovy Prevents HIV
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide target reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for HIV replication. HIV needs this enzyme to convert its RNA into DNA. This conversion is a necessary step for the virus to integrate into human cells and multiply.
Descovy’s active ingredients, once processed by the body, mimic the natural building blocks that HIV’s reverse transcriptase uses to create viral DNA. When these drug components are mistakenly incorporated into the newly forming viral DNA strand, they prevent further elongation of the chain. This process, known as DNA chain termination, effectively halts the virus’s ability to replicate and establish a widespread infection. By blocking this essential step, Descovy helps prevent the virus from taking hold in the body.
Who Descovy is Prescribed For
Descovy is approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection. It is specifically indicated for adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kilograms (approximately 77 pounds) who are at risk. This includes men who sex with men and heterosexual men and women who engage in behaviors that increase their risk of HIV acquisition. Descovy is not for individuals who are already HIV-positive. Its effectiveness for preventing HIV from receptive vaginal sex in people assigned female at birth has not been evaluated.
What to Expect When Taking Descovy
Descovy is taken as one tablet daily. Consistent daily use is important for effectiveness. Missing doses can decrease protective benefits and increase the risk of HIV infection.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. These effects are often mild and may improve over time. More serious, rare side effects can involve kidney or liver issues.
Before starting Descovy, and regularly while taking it, individuals must confirm they are HIV-negative through testing. HIV testing is required before starting treatment and at least every three months. Healthcare providers also monitor kidney function and hepatitis B status to ensure safety. Descovy only protects against HIV and does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections.