{"id":48112,"date":"2022-01-09T18:57:01","date_gmt":"2022-01-09T23:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=48112"},"modified":"2022-01-20T17:14:41","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T22:14:41","slug":"descovy-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/descovy-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Descovy side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#common-side-effects\">Common Descovy side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#weight-gain\">Weight gain<\/a> | <a href=\"#diarrhea-nausea\">Diarrhea\/nausea<\/a> | <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#rash\">Rash<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-long-do-side-effects-last\">How long do side effects last?<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/descovy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the brand name for emtricitabine\/tenofovir alafenamide or F\/TAF. It\u2019s an antiretroviral drug (ART) used in the treatment and prevention of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hiv-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Descovy is in the class of medications called nucleotide and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) combinations. NRTIs block the activity of the HIV enzyme, reverse transcriptase, which prevents HIV from replicating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In an HIV-negative person, Descovy is used as pre-exposure prophylaxis, sometimes called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32711800\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PrEP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. PrEP is taken by people who are at higher risk for HIV to reduce the risk of transmission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy is not an over-the-counter medication. It is a prescription drug associated with some potentially serious side effects. In this article, we will discuss side effects, warnings, and potential drug interactions users should be aware of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/descovy\/what-is\"><b>What is Descovy?<\/b><\/a><b> l <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/descovy-vs-truvada\/\"><b>Descovy vs. Truvada<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of Descovy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy is associated with the following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/750105\/Descovy\/Adverse-Reactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If any of these side effects become worrisome, notify your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gastrointestinal effects:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gas\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>General feelings of malaise:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Headache, dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, weakness, lack of energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychiatric symptoms:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sleep disturbances:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Insomnia, abnormal dreams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Metabolic derangements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Kidney problems, abnormal blood tests, weight gain, high blood sugar, glucose in the urine, blood in the urine\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Musculoskeletal issues:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Muscle pain, joint pain, loss of bone density, tingling or \u201cpins and needles\u201d sensations, numbness or burning pain in the hands or feet\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Upper respiratory effects:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stuffy nose, cough\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Immune system and blood cell abnormalities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Neutropenia (low white blood cells), anemia (pediatric patients)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dermatologic toxicity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Darkening of the skin on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands), rash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"weight-gain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33400239\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antiretroviral regimens<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may cause weight gain and obesity in individuals with HIV. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31606734\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies suggest<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> these effects are stronger in women, in Black individuals, in people who have a lower CD4 count and a higher viral load, and in those who do not inject drugs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact mechanism for this is still unclear. It\u2019s possible that some medications affect the metabolism of fat cells or disturb the balance of bacteria in the gut. Certain combinations of medications used for HIV treatment may also increase the risk of weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all medications exhibit the same risk for weight gain. For example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33797433\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tenofovir alafenamide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is associated with more weight gain when compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, abacavir, or zidovudine. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33148997\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other reports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have shown that weight gain is greater on regimens of dolutegravir\/abacavir\/FTC and darunavir\/TDF\/TC.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain as a side effect of HIV drugs is emerging as an area that needs more study.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"diarrhea-nausea\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea and nausea<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea and nausea were two of the most commonly reported side effects associated with Descovy use. According to the original <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2019\/208215s012lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clinical trials supplied by the Food and Drug Administration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 10% of individuals with active HIV infection experienced nausea while taking Descovy. Similarly, 5% of HIV-1 negative individuals given Descovy for PrEP reported diarrhea as an adverse reaction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of Descovy<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIV medications like Descovy may be associated with some rare but serious side effects. If any of the following adverse reactions are experienced while taking Descovy, it is important to seek medical advice right away. Adverse reactions can also be reported directly to Gilead Sciences by calling 1-800-GILEAD-5 or the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lactic acidosis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angioedema (swelling under the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, face, and lips)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exacerbation or worsening of Hepatitis B<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immune reconstitution syndrome\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pancreatitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney toxicity, which may cause kidney failure\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New-onset autoimmune disorders\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutropenia (low white blood cells)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe liver problems\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"rash\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rash is a common side effect that can be associated with many medications. Some chemotherapy or antiretroviral regimens are associated with serious skin reactions in certain individuals. These reactions are extremely rare, only reported in a few case reports, and symptoms include pain, tingling, burning, and redness or darkening of the skin on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. This rare condition is sometimes called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3710631\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plantar palmar erythrodysesthesia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or hand-foot syndrome. Notify a healthcare professional if a worrisome rash, allergic reaction, or irritation to the hands or feet is experienced while taking this mediation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do Descovy side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some side effects of Descovy, like feeling tired, are self-limiting and usually resolve after a few days to weeks of taking the medication. Other side effects, like weight gain or sleep problems, may reach their peak after a few months. Still other side effects, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3951641\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">toxicity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the pancreas, kidneys, liver, or skin, may begin after someone has been taking the medication for a while. Because some side effects may be fatal, any new serious symptoms should receive immediate medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy contraindications and warnings\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy is not habit-forming or addictive. While there are no withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping Descovy, this medication should not be stopped without talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping treatment for HIV may result in a worsening of Hepatitis B, an increase in HIV, a weakened immune system, and progression of HIV into AIDS.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/750101\/Descovy\/Adult-Dosing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maximum dose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of this medication is 1 tablet per day. Each tablet is 200 mg emtricitabine with 25 mg tenofovir alafenamide. Taking too much of this medication could be fatal. This medication should only be taken by the individual it was prescribed for. If this medication is taken by someone for whom it was not prescribed, or if too much medication has been taken, seek medical attention or contact the poison control centers at 1-800-222-1222.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrictions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/750103\/Descovy\/Contradindications-Cautions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some times<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when Descovy should not be prescribed or should be used only with caution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy for PrEP<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy should not be used for HIV prevention in individuals who are not confirmed to be HIV-negative. People taking Descovy for PrEP should be confirmed HIV-negative immediately before starting the medication and at least every three months during use. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have emerged when Descovy was used for PrEP in people with undetected infections. Do not start Descovy for HIV-1 PrEP if signs or symptoms of acute infection are present or if HIV status is unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with HBV infection<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe and acute exacerbations of Hepatitis B virus infection have been reported in individuals who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus and have stopped taking medications containing emtricitabine (FTC) and\/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Liver function must be carefully monitored in these individuals and if needed, started on anti-hepatitis B therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy is prescribed to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicalinfo.hiv.gov\/en\/guidelines\/perinatal\/prep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">women who are pregnant or may become pregnant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to decrease the risk of HIV transmission during pregnancy. Providers should offer routine PrEP follow-up and HIV testing every three months.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding mothers\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/breastfeeding\/breastfeeding-special-circumstances\/maternal-or-infant-illnesses\/hiv.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommend that mothers with HIV-1 infection should not breastfeed due to the potential for HIV transmission from the mother to the infant in breast milk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emtricitabine has been shown to be present in human breast milk. Tenofovir has been shown to be present in the milk of lactating animals. While present, it is not known if the components of Descovy affect the production of milk or the breastfed child in any way. Women who are not infected with HIV may breastfeed and take Descovy as PrEP.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pediatric use\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The safety and efficacy of this medication has only been established in children and adolescents weighing more than 25 kg (55 lbs). Use of Descovy in pediatric patients between the ages of 6 and 18 weighing at least 25 kg is supported by clinical trials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy is contraindicated for use with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/750104\/Descovy\/Drug-Interactions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">following medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbamazepine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cidofovir\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phenobarbital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phenytoin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rifampin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. John\u2019s wort\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other medications may require caution or adjustments in dose. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking. Drinking excess alcohol with this medication may result in severe liver problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid Descovy side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Follow medical advice while taking this medication<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This medication should be taken daily, at a time when it is easy to remember. Take only the dose prescribed by a healthcare professional. Do not take more medication and do not take less. If there are any missing doses, take the next dose as soon as you remember and notify your healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. This medication should only be taken by the individual it was prescribed for<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy is associated with some possible side effects that may be fatal. It is important that this medication is not shared or given to individuals for whom it was not prescribed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Do not stop taking this medication without seeking medical advice<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should not stop taking this medication unless you with your healthcare provider have decided that is the right decision. There are some instances where abrupt discontinuation of ART is necessary. This should be determined by a healthcare professional experienced with these medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Tell a healthcare provider about all medications, medical conditions, and allergies before taking Descovy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This includes all medications and supplements, any medical conditions, or any allergic reactions to medications in the past. It is important to share any history of depression or suicidal thoughts, as people have completed suicide while taking this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Have a strong support system in place<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This medication is associated with an increased risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and completion of suicide. Having a strong emotional support network and access to mental health treatment is important when taking this medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Store this medication correctly and out of the reach of children<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Descovy should be stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). This medication should be stored away from children\u2019s medications and out of the reach of children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Swallow the tablet whole<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet. This medication may be taken with or without food.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women with HIV-1 infection should not breastfeed. Women who are taking Descovy as PrEP may breastfeed. Descovy is prescribed to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant to decrease the risk of transmitting HIV during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Monitor your weight<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This medication is associated with unwanted weight gain for some people. Checking your weight regularly and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan can help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Seek medical care immediately if you experience any type of allergic reaction to this medication<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic responses should be reported and treated as soon as possible. Any type of serious adverse effect or potential overdose should receive medical attention immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Common Descovy side effects | Weight gain | Diarrhea\/nausea | Serious side effects | Rash | How long do side effects last? | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects Descovy is the brand name for emtricitabine\/tenofovir alafenamide or F\/TAF. It\u2019s an antiretroviral drug (ART) used in the treatment and prevention of human [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":48114,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752],"coauthors":[20759],"class_list":["post-48112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Descovy side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Weight gain, diarrhea, and nausea are common Descovy side effects. 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