Descovy
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Reviewed on May 30, 2025. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Next review due on May 31, 2028.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on May 30, 2025.

Pill that effectively reduces the risk of HIV.

Descovy is a tablet you can either take daily, or take using event-based dosing, to lower your risk of HIV. The active ingredient works by preventing the virus from spreading in the body.

Price checker

200mg/25mg
$2,699.95
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
    $2,699.95
    Save $0.00 each order
Descovy Emtricitabine + tenofovir

What is Descovy?

Descovy is a medication used for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), to help prevent HIV infection in people at high risk of becoming infected. It comes in the form of a pill, which you take once daily. The generic version is known as emtricitabine-tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, which are the two key ingredients of Descovy.

Descovy isn’t for people who already have HIV, or for people who don’t know their HIV status.

How does Descovy work?

Descovy contains two active substances: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. These ingredients belong to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals, which are used to treat HIV.

They work by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which HIV needs to make copies of itself. By blocking this enzyme, Descovy reduces the amount of HIV in your body, helping to lower the risk of HIV transmission.

It takes a week of continuously taking Descovy before you’ll have taken enough of the medication to lower your risk of getting HIV.[1]

Treated trusted source:

  1. San Francisco AIDS Foundation. (n.d.). Resource: Tips & info for people taking Truvada or Descovy for PrEP.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on May 31, 2025. Next review due on May 31, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Descovy Emtricitabine + tenofovir

How to take Descovy

Descovy is typically taken once a day with or without food. You can split the pill in two if you’re struggling to swallow it whole, but you should always take them one after the other. Don’t crush or chew the pill.

It’s really important to take it consistently to make sure you have the maximum protection against HIV. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully for the best results.

Are there different forms of Descovy?

Descovy is available in pill form, with each tablet containing either 200 mg of emtricitabine and 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide or 120 mg of emtricitabine and 15 mg of tenofovir alafenamide. The recommended dose is one tablet per day, as prescribed.

The strength of Descovy chosen by your doctor depends on a few things, including your medical history, weight and which other medicines you might be taking alongside Descovy.

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on May 31, 2025. Next review due on May 31, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Descovy Emtricitabine + tenofovir

Descovy isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let a doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.

Descovy Emtricitabine + tenofovir

Descovy: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Are there side effects to Descovy?

Answer:
Descovy, like all medications, can cause side effects in some people. It's important to know about these side effects, and to let your healthcare provider know if you notice any serious symptoms while taking Descovy. The most common (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) are:

  • Abnormal dreams

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Stomach pain

  • Flatulence (wind)

  • Rash

  • Fatigue (tiredness)

Does Descovy cause weight gain?

Answer:
According to data from the DISCOVER study, which looked at Descovy for PrEP, cis men and trans women experienced an average weight gain of around 2.2 lbs after taking Descovy for 48 weeks.[3]

It's important to be aware that individual responses to treatment can vary, and not everybody will gain weight while taking Descovy. If you have any worries about weight changes or any other side effects while using Descovy for PrEP, it's a good idea to discuss them with your doctor for personalized guidance and support.

What alternatives are there to Descovy?

Answer:
There are few alternatives to Descovy, and it's important to know the differences between them. 

Truvada is a widely used medication to both treat and prevent HIV. Like Descovy, Truvada contains two active ingredients: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. However, the tenofovir component in Truvada is slightly different from that in Descovy. Truvada is approved for use in both men and women for HIV treatment and PrEP.

Apretude is a newly approved long-acting injectable form of PrEP. It's given as an injection once a month for the first two months and then once every two months after that, as an alternative to daily oral PrEP like Descovy and Truvada. It's essential to stick to the injection schedule for Apretude for maximum effectiveness.

Tivicay, while not specifically made for PrEP, is an anti-HIV medication that has been used as a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) option for preventing HIV infection after potential exposure. Tivicay is not a substitute for daily PrEP medications like Descovy and Truvada, but might be used in specific situations in combination with these drugs.

Can people assigned female at birth take Descovy?

Answer:
Descovy for PrEP is not recommended for people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex because its effectiveness hasn't been studied in this population.[2] If you fall into this group and you're seeking HIV prevention options, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to explore alternative options or strategies for HIV prevention that might be more suitable for your needs.

Can you get Descovy on prescription?

Answer:
Yes, Descovy is only available as a prescription medication. 

How well does Descovy work for PrEP?

Answer:
Descovy is highly effective for preventing HIV transmission. When taken consistently and as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV from sex by approximately 99%.[1] There’s less data on the effectiveness of PrEP pills among people who inject drugs, but studies have shown that PrEP can still significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission for these people. When taken as prescribed, PrEP pills have shown a reduction in HIV risk of at least 74%.[4] It's important to mention that currently, PrEP shots are not recommended for people who inject drugs.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Mayer, K.H., et al. (2020). Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide vs emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (DISCOVER): primary results from a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, active-controlled, phase 3, non-inferiority trial. The Lancet, 396(10246), pp.239–254.
  2. www.descovy.com. (n.d.). DESCOVY for PrEP® (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
  3. MA, E.L. (2020). What we know about Descovy’s impact on weight & cholesterol. [online] San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
  4. CDC (2024). Preventing HIV with PrEP. CDC.

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