Emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) - Get Descovy Thailand

Emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF) - Get Descovy Thailand

Descovy is a new medication used for PrEP that was introduced in 2019. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medication that individuals without HIV take to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. Descovy is 99% effective in protecting you from HIV when taken daily as prescribed, while being a lot less harsh on your body. This medication has become a popular option for PrEP users due to its lesser side effects on bone density and kidney functions.

What is Descovy?

Descovy is a daily prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 and to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact, known as PrEP. Descovy is made up of two active ingredients called emtricitabine (we can call it "F") and tenofovir alafenamide (we can call it "TAF"). 

Descovy can help protect people from HIV as well as Truvada. It was approved for use as PrEP in 2019. It’s better than the original PrEP medication like TDF (Truvada) because it gets tenofovir DP into PBMCs, like CD4+ T cells and macrophages, more effectively.

Truvada is a much older medication. The medicine was introduced up of loooong time ago (2004, way before F/TAF was approved for use as PrEP. There was a main concern among PrEP users that Truvada may cause bones and kidney issues in some people. The TDF in Truvada changed into tenofovir too quickly in the bloodstream, resulting in side effects to the renal and bone.

Descovy is designed to reduce these issues by switching out TDF to TAF, which gives the same effect in a much lower concentration (TDF 300mg in Truvada and TAF 25mg in Descovy, 12 times less!).

PrEP like Descovy and Truvada do not protect you from other STDs. Using PrEP alongside condoms and other STD prevention methods is advised.

How Effective is Descovy?

Descovy is about 99% effective in preventing HIV when taken daily as prescribed. Clinical trials have demonstrated that it performs just as well as Truvada for men and transgender women who engage in sexual activity with men, while simultaneously being gentler on bones and kidneys.

Descovy is not currently approved for individuals at risk through receptive vaginal sex.

How Can Descovy Be Safer for Bones and Kidneys than Truvada When It’s Equally Effective?

TAF (tenofovir alafenamide) in Descovy is considered safer for the kidneys and bones compared to TDF (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) in Truvada because it enters target cells more effectively. This enhanced efficiency in targeting HIV cells allows Descovy to use a significantly lower dose of active ingredients, leading to approximately 90% lower drug levels circulating in the bloodstream and reduced toxic buildup in the body.

How Much Does Descovy Cost?

Descovy and Generic F/TAF
		1 Bottle (30 tablets)	6 Bottles (180 tablets)	12 Bottles (360 tablets)
HIV-PrEP Descovy®		3,150	21,000 (Doctor fee and lab tests included)	39,000 (Doctor fee and lab tests included)
HIV-PrEP Generic Descovy®		1,640	12,000 (Doctor fee and lab tests included)	21,000 (Doctor fee and lab tests included)
HIV-PrEP Taficita		3,000
HIV-PrEP Tafero-Em		3,105

Pre-PrEP checklist: How can I get PrEP at PULSE?

1. Do you already have the prescription?
   
   • If you already have a prescription for PrEP, you can show us your prescription and buy the medication.
2. If not, do you have health check-up results from the last 3 months?
   • If you already have one, you can get a 12-month supply at PULSE.
   • If you do not have recent health check-up results*, you can get tested at PULSE and receive a 12-month supply of PrEP.
   • You can also get fewer than 12 bottles and have the rest delivered to your door.

*Medical screening for PrEP includes blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and kidney function. Individuals with existing infections or impaired kidney function are not recommended for PrEP.

Switching from Truvada (TDF) to Descovy (TAF)?

Truvada and Descovy are both great choices for PrEP, and they’re pretty similar in terms of how well they prevent HIV. But, they might have some different side effects depending on your health. So, if you’re thinking about switching between them, it’s best to chat with your doctor first to make sure everything’s on the up and up. 

It’s important to remember that while Descovy is a newer medication, it doesn’t necessarily offer superior benefits or safety compared to Truvada.

Get a Descovy prescription for HIV PrEP or get your Descovy refill today!

For more information about the medication and ordering process, please email pulseliving@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform. 

The Differences Between F/TAF (Descovy) and F/TDF (Truvada)

	F/TAF (New Generation Oral PrEP)	F/TDF (First Generation Oral PrEP)
US FDA Approve Date for HIV Treatment	4 April 2016	2 August 2004
US FDA Approve Date for Use as PrEP	3 October 2019	16 July 2012
Thai FDA Approve Date for Use as PrEP	9 January 2023	27 February 2020
Active Ingredients	emtricitabine (FTC) 200mg and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) 25mg.	emtricitabine (FTC) 200 mg and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg
Indication	The prophylaxis of HIV infection from sexual acquire in risk group, weighing at least 35kg. Use in transender women and MSM only	The prophylaxis of HIV infection in risk group, weighing at least 35kg. Use in chemsex group and heterosexual women and men.
Tablet Size
	Smaller and easy to swallow (249mm3)	Bigger than F/TAF (767mm3)
Good for	People who have compromised kidney functions or who otherwise may be worried about the side effects from Truvada	PrEP users with good kidney functions and cis women. Effective for use as on-demand PrEP regimen.
Renal Effect	Rarely found since TAF is more stable in the blood stream, less tenofovir to cause renal and bone toxicities.	Found renal problem report and discontinuation F/TDF due to Faconi syndrome.
Buy PrEP Online With Prescription	Get Descovy Online	Get Truvada Online

To improve the safety profile of F/TDF, it takes 12 years to develop F/TAF. 

TAF Advantages Over TDF

• TAF is more stable than TDF in the bloodstream resulting in more safety to renal and bone.
• TAF is metabolized to active drug “tenofovir diphosphate” 4-7-folds higher than TDF at HIV target cell. 
• F/TAF tablet is smaller and easier to swallow than F/TDF

Diagram of TDF and TAF metabolism in human body
TAF: tenofovir alafenamide, TDF: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
TFV: tenofovir, TFV-DP: tenofovir diphosphate

Daily PrEP
One Tablet , Once Daily

Is PrEP as Effective as Condom Against HIV?

Believe it or not! Adherence on daily PrEP achieves 99% HIV prevention! But you still need condoms to protect you from getting STIs (Sexual Transmitted Infections) such as gonorrhea or syphilis. 

We strongly recommend taking both PrEP and condoms for the highest level of protection, like you are wearing a bulletproof vest.

Effectiveness of Prevention Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Acquiring or Transmitting HIV

Before you start PrEP medication, you must consult your healthcare provider for physical examination and to confirm that you are HIV negative. To avoid any drug interaction this may cause, you have to inform the concomitant drugs including vitamins and other supplements.

How to Take Descovy

Descovy is usually taken orally once a day, whether or not you have eaten. It’s important to take the medication at the same time every day to keep your body’s levels consistent.

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as you remember it on the same day. If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two tablet at the same time to compensate for a missed one.

If you have been taking Descovy consistently and missed a single dose, the concentration left in your body should be enough to cover you for a little bit longer. Do not miss the dose too often as the efficacy can decrease drastically when you did not take Descovy for too many days.

Do not use Descovy as on-demand PrEP.

Is Descovy Better Than Truvada?

Truvada and Descovy are equally effective (about 99%) in preventing HIV. Neither is better than the other. Descovy and Truvada have their own benefits such as:

Descovy is gentler on bones and kidneys, making it good for older men or people who already have kidney and bones issues. It might also be an option for someone who have been considering PrEP but is afraid of the potential bones and kidneys issues after taking it long term. Descovy allows more people to be on PrEP.

Truvada is more affordable and accommodates a wider range of risk factors. Truvada and its generic also allows some men who do not regularly have sexual activity to use it as on-demand PrEP.

The best PrEP medication is the one that you will actually take consistently as prescribed. PrEP requires you to take it consistently to work its full effect.

Common Side Effects of Descovy

Descovy can cause some side effects, which is common and happens to some people when starting. These symptoms usually go away on its own once you are adjusted to the medication. If the symptoms presists, please consult with your doctor.

• Stomach upset: Mild nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
• General fatigue: Feeling tired or low on energy
• Headaches: Occasional headaches when starting the medication
• Cholesterol changes: Small increases in blood lipid levels

How Long Does It Take for Descovy to Work?

Using Descovy as PrEP for HIV prevention takes about 7 days of daily use to achieve maximum protection for receptive anal sex. Consistent daily intake is essential, as the medication does not provide immediate protection after a single dose.

Descovy is currently cannot be used as on-demand PrEP. The active ingredient in Descovy, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), processes differently in the body compared to Truvada’s TDF. Consequently, researchers lack the same level of clinical trial data to ensure the safety and high protection levels associated with daily, event-driven dosing with Truvada.

Where Can I Find Descovy (F/TAF) in Thailand?

Get Descovy (F/TAF) for PrEP at our clinics in Thailand. Descovy is now available at all PULSE branches and for online orders.

Frequently Asked Question About Descovy (TAF emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)

Who Should Consider PrEP?

PrEP is a medication that can prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative and at high risk of exposure to HIV through sexual activity or injecting drugs. If you’ve had anal or vaginal sex in the past six months and have a partner with HIV, don’t always use condoms, or have an STI, it might be worth thinking about PrEP.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

• If you have a partner who has HIV.
• If you don’t use condoms consistently.
• If you live in an area with a high HIV prevalence.
• If you work in sex work and exchange money, drugs, or shelter for sex.
• If you inject drugs.

You must be HIV-negative before starting Descovy for PrEP and continue to be HIV-negative while taking Descovy. Get tested for HIV immediately before and at least every 3 months while taking Descovy. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to HIV, inform your healthcare provider immediately. Many HIV tests can miss an infection in a recently infected person.

Why is Descovy Only for Men?

Descovy as a PrEP medication is currently approved for use only in individuals assigned male at birth (cisgender men and transgender women) who are at risk of HIV transmission through anal sex. This is due to the fact that initial clinical trials did not show the same effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission during receptive vaginal sex.

Can Straight Men Use Descovy?

Yes, cisgender men can take Descovy for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if their risk of HIV transmission comes from sexual activity, such as insertive or receptive anal sex.

Is Descovy As Effective in Preventing HIV?

Descovy and Truvada are both 99% effective at preventing HIV infection from sex when taken daily. Descovy showed similar efficacy to Truvada in a study of HIV-negative men who have sex with men, with fewer bone and kidney side effects.

Are There Any Side Effects of Descovy PrEP?

PrEP is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience mild side effects when starting the medication, such as nausea. These symptoms usually subside within 3–5 days of continued use. Inform your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or while taking DESCOVY.

Nausea, affecting 10% of people, was the most common side effect. Two studies showed a 5% or more decline in lower back bone mineral density (BMD) in adults.In a clinical trial with 2,694 people, at least 2% of those taking Descovy for PrEP reported the following side effects:

• Diarrhea 
• Nausea 
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain

Descovy also carries warnings about potential serious problems like worsening hepatitis B infection, immune system issues, kidney problems, lactic acidosis, and severe liver swelling with fat buildup.

what if I have hepatitis B? Both forms of PrEP contain tenofovir, so stopping treatment for hepatitis B is the same risk for both. If you have hepatitis B, consult your doctor before stopping either form of PrEP.

Should I Use Truvada or Descovy for PrEP?

Both products have excellent safety profiles, and side effects are similar. Usually, TDF/emtricitabine is the first-line choice for PrEP. TAF/emtricitabine is prescribed only if there’s a specific concern (like existing kidney or bone disease). Ultimately, the decision depends on you and your doctor.

It’s important to remember that while Descovy is a newer medication, it doesn’t necessarily offer superior benefits or safety compared to Truvada.

Will Descovy Make Me Gain Weight?

Current information about Desvcovy doesn’t say that weight gain as a common side effect of Descovy. However, clinical trials and health studies indicate a connection between the medication and slight weight changes. This should not be a problem, but consult with your doctor if this is a concern before you start taking Descovy.

Is Descovy Difficult on the Body When I Have to Take It Daily?

Descovy is generally well-tolerated by most people and is considered less harsh on the body compared to older-generation medications. Descovy is also formulated for convenience to be a once-a-day pill that you only have to take one tablet, compared to the older HIV medication that requires a combination of many pills per day.