Descovy (Oral)
Emtricitabine and tenofovir is an antiviral combination medicine that is used together with other HIV medications in adults and children to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Emtricitabine and tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir is also used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults and teenagers to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
There is more than one emtricitabine and tenofovir brand form available. Your doctor will determine which brand form is the right treatment for you based on weight, age, and other factors.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Descovy (Oral) used for?
- HIV Infection
- Occupational Exposure
- Nonoccupational Exposure
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Descovy (Oral)?
Do not use emtricitabine and tenofovir for PrEP if you are HIV-positive or have not confirmed you are HIV-negative.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- flu-like symptoms;
- if you are sexually active;
- may have been exposed to HIV within the past month;
- been recently tested for other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea;
- bone problems, low bone mineral density;
- hepatitis B (you may be tested for hepatitis B before you can use this medicine);
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. To prevent HIV in a newborn baby, use all medications to control your infection during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry.
Women with HIV should not breastfeed. The virus can pass to your baby in your breast milk.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Descovy (Oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir can affect your immune system (even weeks or months after you've used this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:
- signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
- trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
- swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.
Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, fast/slow or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
- symptoms of new HIV infection--fever, night sweats, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, swollen glands in your neck or groin;
- sudden or unusual bone pain;
- kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or
- liver problems--swelling around your midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness, feeling depressed or tired;
- sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;
- diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain;
- weight loss; or
- rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Descovy (Oral) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. To prevent HIV in a newborn baby, use all medications to control your infection during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry.
Women with HIV should not breastfeed. The virus can pass to your baby in your breast milk.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Descovy (Oral)?
Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Ask your doctor how to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Descovy (Oral)?
Use Descovy (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir is taken once per day. You may take this medicine with or without food.
If you are on dialysis, take this medicine after dialysis.
Use all HIV medications as directed. Do not change your dose, skip doses or stop using a medicine without your doctor's advice. Remain under the care of a doctor.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir (PrEP) alone will not protect you from infection with HIV. You must also use safer sex practices and get tested for HIV before starting prophylaxis and at least once every 3 months.
If you've had hepatitis B, it may come back or get worse after you stop using this medicine. You may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function and other medical tests before starting this medicine and for several months after you stop.
You will also need medical tests and your kidney function to be checked often while using this medicine.
Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.
Store tightly closed in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.
Skipping doses could make the virus resistant to medication or increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Descovy (Oral)?
Images
GSI, 15
Color: white
Shape: round
Form: film coated
Imprint: GSI, 15
GSI, 225
Color: blue
Shape: rectangular
Form: film coated
Imprint: GSI, 225