Is Genvoya used for PrEP?

• No, Genyova is not approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Genvoya is used to treat (not prevent) HIV infection.
• It is an oral tablet taken once a day with food and is a complete HIV treatment regimen. It is not used with other HIV medicines.
• Take Genvoya exactly as your doctor prescribes it.

Genvoya contains the antivirals elvitegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, and cobicistat, a medicine that helps to prevent breakdown of the medicine in your liver to allow the antiviral medicines to be used more safely and at lower doses.

Genvoya is approved to treat HIV in adults and children who weigh at least 25 kg (55 lb). It can be used in patients who have never received medicines in the past to treat HIV, or for certain patients to replace their current HIV treatment.

There are three FDA-approved medicines used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the U.S:

• Truvada (tenofovir, disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine), an oral tablet taken once a day (also available as cost-saving generic formulation)
• Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) - an oral tablet taken one a day
• Apretude (cabotegravir) - a long-acting intramuscular injection given by a healthcare provider every 2 months

Genvoya also contains both emtricitabine and tenofovir, similar to Truvada and Descovy, but studies have not proven it is effective for PrEP.

Related questions

• How long does Genvoya stay in your system?
• What is Genvoya used to treat?
• Does Genvoya make you gain weight?

Which medicine is best for PrEP?

All FDA-approved PrEP regimens are very effective in preventing HIV infection when used as directed by your healthcare provider. PrEP reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex by 99%. In people who inject drugs, PrEP can be at least 74% effective. Speak with your doctor about which option may be best for you.

If you do not take your medicine as directed, its effectiveness may be lowered.

You must have a negative HIV test before starting treatment with PrEP, and be tested regularly while receiving these preventive medications.

Most people tolerate PrEP treatment very well.

• Some people taking the oral agents may experience temporary side effects like diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, feeling tired, and stomach pain, but these side effects should lessen over time.
• The injection is also reported to cause temporary injection site pain or tenderness, fever, sleep disorders, and dizziness, flatulence.
• If your side effects seem serious or do not go away, contact your doctor right away.

This is not all the information you need to know about Genvoya (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Genvoya information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.