Descovy® or Truvada® -which is better in PrEP?

Descovy® is joining Truvada® as an option for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The goal is to PREVENT HIV in high-risk patients…such as men who have unprotected sex with men and people who use IV drugs.

Truvada® (emtricitabine/tenofovir DISOPROXIL fumarate) 200 mg/300 mg is the only med for PrEP In Canada.

Now there’s evidence that Descovy® (emtricitabine/tenofovir ALAFENAMIDE) 200 mg/25 mg seems to work about as well as Truvada for PrEP in men and transgender women who have sex with men.

Keep in mind that Descovy shouldn’t be used for PrEP in other patients…there’s no evidence of efficacy.

Both meds are dosed once daily…and have similar adverse effects (diarrhea, nausea, etc).

Consider patient factors and cost when thinking Descovy versus Truvada for PrEP.

In general, consider Descovy over Truvada for patients with renal impairment or bone disease (osteoporosis, etc). Tenofovir alafenamide in Descovy seems less likely to decrease renal function and bone mineral density compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in Truvada.

But be aware, it’s too soon to say if patients taking Descovy for PrEP will have fewer kidney adverse events or fractures.

Consider drug interactions…they can differ between the tenofovir salts. For example, phenytoin may decrease Descovy levels.

Emphasize PrEP adherence…regardless of which med is used. Which in the most important thing together with the practice of safe sex.

If you are interested in obtaining Descovy® Please Contact us!