“Truvada” also commonly known as PrEP

Tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine (commonly known brand as Truvada) are medications used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. They work by stopping the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body.

However, in certain circumstances, such as infrequent sexual activity, it can also be taken as a dosage on-demand. This means taking a certain number of pills before and after sexual activity instead of daily. It can reduce the risk of contracting HIV but should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional.

What is the dosage on-demand “Prep 2-1-1” ?

Descovy has not been specifically approved for an on-demand or event-driven dosing schedule for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The clinical trials and approval of Descovy for PrEP have primarily focused on daily dosing. For more information on dosage on-demand, go to Truvada’s product page.

A key point to note, (Descovy) is only approved for daily PrEP in the US, it has not yet been evaluated for dosage on-demand, or event-based PrEP.

What is the main difference between Truvada vs Descovy?

Descovy and Truvada are both combination antiretroviral medications used for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The key difference between them lies in their composition:

1. Truvada: Contains emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).
2. Descovy: Contains emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

Both medications contain emtricitabine, but the difference lies in the form of tenofovir they contain. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in Descovy is a newer prodrug of tenofovir, which gets converted into its active form within the body.

This difference in composition leads to some advantages for Descovy over Truvada:

1. Improved renal safety: TAF in Descovy has been shown to be associated with a lower risk of kidney-related side effects compared to TDF in Truvada.
2. Better bone safety: Descovy is associated with a lower risk of bone mineral density loss compared to Truvada, reducing the likelihood of fractures.

However, it’s important to note that both medications are effective in treating and preventing HIV infection, and the choice between them should be based on individual patient factors and medical history.

Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your specific situation.

What are the possible side effects of Truvada?

Descovy may cause side effects, including:

1. Nausea
2. Diarrhea
3. Headache
4. Fatigue
5. Abdominal pain
6. Dizziness
7. Rash
8. Insomnia

What may interact with Truvada?

Truvada can interact with various medications, which may affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. Some potential interactions include:

1. Antacids: Containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium may reduce Truvada absorption. Take Truvada at least two hours before or six hours after antacids.
2. Adefovir: Used for hepatitis B, adefovir may increase the risk of kidney problems when combined with Truvada.
3. Didanosine: Co-administration may cause didanosine toxicity, increasing the risk of side effects like pancreatitis.
4. Anticonvulsants: Including phenobarbital and phenytoin, may decrease Truvada effectiveness by lowering its blood levels.
5. Rifampin and rifabutin: Antibiotics that may reduce Truvada levels, potentially affecting its efficacy.
6. St. John’s wort: An herbal supplement that can decrease Truvada blood levels, reducing its effectiveness.
7. Atazanavir: A drug used in HIV treatment that requires acid for absorption, can interact with Truvada, causing decreased atazanavir levels.
8. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir: Used for hepatitis C treatment, may increase tenofovir levels, raising the risk of kidney problems.

This list is not exhaustive, and individual circumstances may affect the potential for drug interactions. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking to ensure proper management of your treatment.