Descovy

Uses of Descovy

Descovy is an antiviral combination medicine that is used together with other HIV medications in adults and children who are at least 12 years old and weigh at least 17 kilograms (37 pounds, to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Descovy is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Descovy is also used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults and teenagers to reduce the risk of >HIV infection.

Descovy is used together with safer-sex practices to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. You must be HIV-negative and an adult to use this medicine for this purpose.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to emtricitabine or tenofovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, liver problems (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis), alcohol use, bone problems (such as bone disease, bone loss/osteoporosis, weak/broken bones), kidney disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you have HIV infection, treatment can lower the risk of passing HIV infection to your baby, and this medication may be part of that treatment.

This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. If you have HIV, breast milk may transmit HIV. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Dosage

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

Descovy is taken once per day. You may take this medicine with or without food.

If you are on dialysis, take this medicine after dialysis.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• headache, dizziness, feeling depressed or tired;
• sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;
• diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain;
• weight loss;
• rash.