Descovy vs. Truvada: What's the Difference?
Descovy and Truvada are commonly prescribed drugs used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Both are two-drug, antiviral combinations containing emtricitabine and tenofovir. The difference between Descovy and Truvada is that Descovy contains a newer form of tenofovir while Truvada contains the original form of tenofovir. Compared to Descovy, Truvada has been shown to have more adverse effects on kidney function and bone density.
Both Descovy and Truvada are quite expensive but can be life-changing. For $45 per month, a membership with Mira can help you access up to 80% off prescription drugs in addition to low-cost lab testing and urgent care visits.
Differences Between Descovy and Truvada
Dr. Daniel Boyer, M.D., practicing doctor at the Farr Institute, notes, “The only difference between descovy and Truvada is that descovy contains newer forms of tenofovir called tenofovir alafenamide while Truvada contains the original form of tenofovir called tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.” Descovy and Truvada are both manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc. The table below summarizes some general information regarding the two brand-name drugs.
Descovy | Truvada | |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approval | April 4, 2016 | August 2, 2004 |
| Generic Name | Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) | Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) |
| How it’s Supplied | Tablets
| Tablets
|
| Recommended Dosage | For HIV-1 Infection
For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
| For HIV-1 Infection
For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
|
| Covered by Insurance | Likely | Yes |
| Covered by assistance programs for medication and medical care costs | Yes | Yes |
Descovy vs. Truvada: Cost
| Descovy | Truvada | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 200 mg-25 mg tablet
| 100 mg-150 mg tablet
|
Descovy vs. Truvada: Usage & Reactions
| Descovy | Truvada | |
|---|---|---|
| Indications and Usage | For HIV-1 Infection
For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
| For HIV-1 Infection
For Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
|
| Most Common Adverse Reactions |
|
|
| Known Drug Interactions | Major:
Moderate:
| Major:
Moderate:
|
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Is Descovy or Truvada more effective?
Descovy is a newer drug marketed as safer and more effective mainly because the drug persists in HIV-infected cells with fewer adverse events related to renal and bone density outcomes. On the contrary, there is more data on Truvada since it has been around longer. At this time, research shows similar tolerability, safety, and effectiveness between both forms of Tenofovir.
The Discover Trial is actively evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Descovy vs. Truvada for PrEP. There are several considerations to know what drug is right for you, including effectiveness, regimen, and which drug has been proven effective for given available clinical data. Below is a comparison table for Descovy and Truvada when used for PrEP.
Descovy vs. Truvada for PrEP
Descovy | Truvada | |
| Effectiveness for PrEP | >99% effective | >99% effective |
| Regimen |
|
|
| Shown to be effective for |
| Everyone, including:
|
Special Health Considerations
Descovy |  Virtual care for only $25 per visitVirtual primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health visits are only $25 with a Mira membership. Truvada | |
| Bone Health | Safer to take for people with osteoporosis | People with osteoporosis should avoid |
| Kidney Health | Safer to take for people with kidney issues or a strong family history of kidney disease, though monitoring still recommended | People with kidney issues or a strong family history of kidney disease should avoid |
| Metabolic Health | May cause a small degree of weight gain | May cause a small degree of weight loss |
| Cholesterol | May cause small increases in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides | May cause small decreases in HDL, LDL and total cholesterol |
Descovy and Truvada Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Determining the best drug for your situation is a difficult endeavor. In addition to working with your prescribing physician, it is important to do your own research to be an informed patient. Below we answer questions related to Descovy and Truvada.
How do Descovy and Truvada Work?
Dr. Boyer explains, “HIV Antivirals function by stopping the virus from further multiplication, thus reducing the HIV amount in the body. It acts by only suppressing the virus, but not completely eliminating it.” To replicate, HIV needs to create DNA from RNA using nucleotides. This process involves uses reverse transcriptase (RT) enzymes. NRTIs, like Descocy and Truvada, block RT enzymes to prevent HIV from replicating.
What is PrEP 2-1-1?
A “2-1-1” schedule is a recommended dosing guidance for taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV. Individuals take two tablets 2 to 24 hours before sex, one tablet 24 hours after the first dose, and another tablet 24 hours later.
What is Tenofovir?
Tenofovir works to decrease the amount of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the blood. It does not cure HIV or HBV, but it reduces the chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tenofovir also reduces the risk of transmitting the to other people. Tenofovir is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
Bottom Line
Descovy and Truvada are both approved for HIV treatment and PrEP. Both are two-drug antiviral combinations containing different forms of tenofovir. So far, it is thought that both drugs have similar effectiveness, but Descovy might be safer for some people.
After deciding on the best course of action, depending on how you will be using either Descovy or Truvada, Mira can help you access discounted rates on your prescription through a monthly membership. Without insurance, prescriptions are often unaffordable yet necessary, so Mira is here to help.
Dr. Daniel Boyer, M.D., is a practicing Doctor of medicine with a focus on medical research. He specializes in molecular biology, histology, pharmacology, embryology, pathology, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, gynecology and obstetrics.
Alexis Bryan MPH, is a recent graduate of Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health. She is passionate about increasing access to care to improve health outcomes. Outside of work, she loves to travel, read, and pay too much attention to her plants.
