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Descovy

Pronunciation: Des-co-vee
Generic name: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide
Dosage form: oral tablet (200 mg/25 mg, 120 mg/15 mg)
Drug class: Antiviral combinations

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 28, 2025.

What is Descovy?

Descovy is used to treat and prevent HIV infection in adults and adolescents. When used for HIV-1 treatment, it is taken with other antivirals. When used to prevent HIV-1 infection, it is called Descovy PrEP, and it is the only tablet needed to prevent HIV.

Descovy contains 2 antivirals, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, combined in 1 tablet and taken once a day.

Descovy gained FDA approval on April 4, 2016, for the treatment of HIV-1, and this was extended on October 3, 2019, to include HIV PrEP.

Approval for HIV PrEP was primarily based on the DISCOVER trial (NCT02842086, n=5387), which showed Descovy (F/TAF) was non-inferior to Truvada (F/TDF) with 53% fewer HIV infections and better renal and bone safety.

FDA approvals and indications

To treat HIV-1 infection:

For HIV-1 PrEP:

Important: Descovy for PrEP is not for use in people born female (assigned female at birth) who are at risk of getting HIV-1 infection from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied.

How does Descovy work?

The two antivirals in Descovy, emtricitabine with tenofovir alafenamide, work by blocking the activity of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme produced by the human immunodeficiency virus that allows it to infect cells and replicate (make more viruses). Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide both belong to the drug class called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Critical Safety Information

Before Starting Descovy for PrEP

You must:

For PrEP Users

To use Descovy safely for HIV prevention:

Side effects

The most common side effects of Descovy are:

Serious side effects and warnings

Descovy may cause the following serious side effects.

Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

Immune System Changes

Kidney Problems

Lactic Acidosis. Rarely, Descovy may cause too much lactic acid to build up in your blood. Seek immediate medical attention for:

Liver Problems. Rarely, Descovy may cause severe liver problems that can lead to death. Watch for:

Do not take Descovy if you also take other medicines that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, lamivudine, or adefovir.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Descovy: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking this medicine

For people taking Descovy for PrEP: Do not take Descovy if you already have an HIV-1 infection or do not know your HIV status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with Descovy to treat HIV-1. Descovy by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1.

Before taking Descovy, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Pregnancy

It is not known if Descovy can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment with Descovy.

Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for people who take Descovy during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and that of your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.

Breastfeeding

Descovy passes to your baby in your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the following risks to your baby from breastfeeding during treatment with Descovy:

How to Take Descovy

Take Descovy exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Descovy PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting STIs. You must stay HIV-1 negative to keep taking Descovy for HIV-1 PrEP. Get tested for other STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.

Dosing information

Dose of Descovy for HIV-1 treatment

Use with other antivirals.

Important Note for Pediatric Patients: Descovy with atazanavir/cobicistat (ATV+COBI) is not recommended in pediatric patients weighing 14-35 kg due to excessive TAF exposure (2-5 times higher than adults) observed in Study 128, with limited safety data to support these levels.

The safety and effectiveness of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors have also not been established in this weight group.

The safety and effectiveness of Descovy for HIV-1 treatment have not been established in pediatric patients weighing <14 kg.

Dose of Descovy for HIV-1 PrEP

How long does Descovy take to work? 

When taking Descovy for PrEP, the time to reach maximum protection varies depending on your risk factors.

For Receptive Anal Sex

For Receptive Vaginal Sex

For Injection Drug Use

Important Notes:

  • Effectiveness depends on taking Descovy every day without missing doses
  • Protection levels are based on consistent, daily use
  • Starting PrEP requires a negative HIV test and ongoing monitoring
  • Must be combined with other safer sex practices

Currently Unknown Factors:

The following is not known:

Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation and risk factors.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What other drugs will affect Descovy?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir can harm your kidneys, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

No clinically significant drug interactions have been either observed or are expected when Descovy is combined with atazanavir with ritonavir, atazanavir with cobicistat (in those weighing greater than or equal to 35 kg), darunavir with ritonavir or cobicistat, dolutegravir, efavirenz, ledipasvir, lopinavir/ritonavir, maraviroc, nevirapine, raltegravir, rilpivirine, and sofosbuvir.

This list is not complete, and other drugs may interact with emtricitabine and tenofovir. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does Descovy interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Ingredients

Active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.
Inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.

The 200 mg/25 mg tablets are film-coated with a coating material containing indigo carmine aluminum lake, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

The 120 mg/15 mg tablets are film-coated with a coating material containing polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, and talc.

Available as

Storage

Who makes Descovy?

Descovy is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company based in Foster City, California. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking Descovy?

There are no specific restrictions on alcohol consumption with Descovy. However, excessive alcohol use can affect your immune system and liver health, which may be particularly important if you're taking HIV medications. It's best to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider, especially if you have liver problems or are taking other medications that may interact with alcohol.

What foods should I avoid with Descovy?

Descovy can be taken with or without food, and there are no specific food restrictions. However, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is important for overall health and immune function. If you experience stomach upset, taking Descovy with food may help reduce nausea.

Can I take vitamins or supplements with Descovy?

Most vitamins and dietary supplements can be taken with Descovy. However, always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you're taking, as some may interact with HIV medications or affect kidney function. This is particularly important for supplements containing minerals or herbal ingredients.

How long do I need to take Descovy for PrEP?

The duration of PrEP depends on your risk factors and life circumstances. Some people may take PrEP for months or years, while others may use it seasonally or during periods of higher risk. Regular discussions with your healthcare provider will help determine the appropriate duration for your situation.

What should I do if I experience side effects?

Mild side effects like nausea or headache often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects persist, worsen, or if you experience any serious symptoms like severe stomach pain, breathing difficulties, or signs of liver problems. Never stop taking Descovy without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Can I travel internationally while taking Descovy?

Yes, you can travel while taking Descovy. Bring enough medication for your entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. Some countries have restrictions on certain medications, so check requirements before traveling.

Is Descovy covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover Descovy for both HIV treatment and PrEP. However, coverage details vary by plan. Gilead Sciences also offers patient assistance programs for those who qualify. Contact your insurance provider or speak with your healthcare provider's office about coverage options.

Popular FAQ

Descovy vs Truvada: How do they compare for HIV / PrEP?

Truvada and Descovy are both two-drug, antiviral combinations containing emtricitabine and tenofovir for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, and for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection. Descovy contains a newer form of tenofovir called tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and Truvada contains the original form of tenofovir as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). TAF has less toxicities related to bone and kidneys.

Continue reading
Apretude vs Descovy: How do they compare?

Apretude (cabotegravir) and Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) are both effective options for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but they differ in how they are taken, dosing frequency, and side effects. In addition to PrEP, Descovy may also be taken to treat HIV-1 infection. Continue reading

What is the difference between Biktarvy and Descovy?

Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both antiviral medications used for HIV-1 treatment, but contains bictegravir, making it a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen on its own.

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How do I get a Descovy copay card and save on costs?

You can get a Descovy copay card by signing up for the Gilead Advancing Access Program online or by calling 1-800-226-2056. If you have commercial insurance you may be eligible to save up to $7,200 per calendar year on your prescription copay with no monthly limit. Continue reading

Can Descovy be used for PrEP in HIV?

Yes. The FDA approved Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in October 2019 to help reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection. Continue reading

Does Descovy cause weight gain?

Studies have shown Descovy can lead to a modest weight gain with studies showing an increase of 1.7 kg to 2.43 kg (3.7 to 5.4 lbs) in the initial 9 to 18 months on therapy in people living with HIV and 0.83 kg to 1.1 kg (1.8 to 2.4 lbs) per year when used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Longer-term data suggests these modest increases may be similar to that seen in the general U.S population, but the clinical significance is unknown.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.