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What is Descovy
EmtricitabineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEmtricitabine is an antiviral medicine used to treat HIV infection in adults. It is also combined with tenofovir alafenamide for the prevention of HIV-1 infection in adolescents and adults at high risk. The drug works by blocking HIV reverse transcriptase, which stops HIV from turning its RNA into DNA. Approved by the FDA in 2003, Emtricitabine is a type of drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).
Emtrivais the brand name
Descovy Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Emtriva
Emtricitabine
2003
131
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Emtricitabine, also called Emtriva, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including HIV and adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg .HIV
Helps manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection
adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg
Effectiveness
How Descovy Affects PatientsEmtricitabine stops the virus that causes HIV from making more copies of itself. It is taken once per day, making it a long-lasting drug. Those taking it should be aware of the risks of lactic acidosis and liver problems.
How Descovy works in the bodyEmtricitabine is a special compound that stops the HIV virus from replicating itself. This is accomplished by blocking the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme from forming new DNA strands. Without new strands, the virus cannot make copies of itself and its spread is stopped. This lowers the amount of virus in the body and helps reduce symptoms.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dose of Descovy is contingent upon the diagnosed situation, including HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV Transmission. The quantity of dosage fluctuates as per the technique of delivery detailed in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
HIV test negative
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
HIV
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
HIV
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
HIV
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
weight more than 35 kg
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
HIV Transmission
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
HIV Infections
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Antiretroviral Therapy
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
weight at least 14 kg
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
weight at least 35 kg
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
treatment failure
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Anti-Retroviral Agents
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Sexual Behaviour
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
not requiring CYP3A inhibitors
200.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 133.0 mg, 167.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 120.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Warnings
Descovy ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
HIV
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Emtricitabine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Descovy Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The excretion of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Emtricitabine.
Procainamide
Major
The excretion of Procainamide can be decreased when combined with Emtricitabine.
Topotecan
Major
The excretion of Topotecan can be decreased when combined with Emtricitabine.
Cefradine
Minor
The excretion of Cefradine can be decreased when combined with Emtricitabine.
Estrone sulfate
Minor
The excretion of Estrone sulfate can be decreased when combined with Emtricitabine.
Descovy Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of emtricitabine is not known. If someone takes too much emtricitabine, they may experience liver damage and build up of lactic acid. Treatment for overdose includes supportive care and dialysis.
Descovy Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Descovy?
172 active clinical trials are currently assessing the potential of Descovy to treat HIV, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in both adults and children weighing a minimum of 17 kg.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
treatment failure
0 Actively Recruiting
HIV Transmission
0 Actively Recruiting
HIV
0 Actively Recruiting
Anti-Retroviral Agents
0 Actively Recruiting
HIV Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
HIV test negative
0 Actively Recruiting
adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 17 kg
0 Actively Recruiting
Antiretroviral Therapy
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 1
HIV
40 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 4, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
HIV
148 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
not requiring CYP3A inhibitors
0 Actively Recruiting
weight more than 35 kg
0 Actively Recruiting
weight at least 35 kg
0 Actively Recruiting
weight at least 14 kg
0 Actively Recruiting
Sexual Behaviour
17 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4
Descovy Reviews: What are patients saying about Descovy?
5Patient Review
12/8/2017 I was really impressed with this medication. I experienced some weight gain and occasional headaches, but on the whole it was a great experience.
5Patient Review
9/22/2016 I felt a bit nauseous in the morning.
5Patient Review
4/24/2017 I really enjoy taking this medication because I don't experience any negative side effects like weight gain. Additionally, it keeps my levels stable which is great.
4.3Patient Review
10/29/2019 I experienced some discomfort and nausea during the first couple weeks of taking this medication, but it has since evened out. I've also noticed a change in my skin color, which is an unexpected but not unwelcome side effect.
3.7Patient Review
8/6/2021 I've been on this medication for nine days now. It's caused a bit of headaches and rapid heartbeat at times; however, I'm going to give it another week or two before making any decisions about discontinuing use.
3Patient Review
6/3/2021 I found Truvada much better as it had no noticeable side effects and was easy to take. Descovy, on the other hand, made me dizzy and out of sorts (restless and slightly depressed mood). I'd rather put up with osteoporosis from Truvada than feel like this.
Patient Q&A Section about descovy
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is Descovy medication for?
"Descovy was approved by the FDA in 2016 to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients in combination with other antiretoviral drugs."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between Truvada and Descovy?
"Descovy contains a form of tenofovir called tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) while Truvada contains the original form of tenofovir as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)."
Answered by AI
What type of drug is Descovy?
"Descovy is a medication used to treat HIV. It combines two antiretroviral drugs, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, in one pill that is taken once a day along with another antiretroviral drug. Descovy comes in two different forms."
Answered by AI
Who needs to take Descovy?
"The medication Descovy is approved by doctors to be used as a preventative measure against HIV infection for adults and adolescents* who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg), or about 77 pounds (lb). This medication is to be used by people who are at risk for contracting HIV, but do not already have the virus. Before starting to take Descovy for this purpose, you will need to get tested for HIV by a doctor."
Answered by AI