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

Descovy, a drug made up of two special ingredients called emtricitabine (we can call it "F") and tenofovir alafenamide (we can call it "TAF"), was approved in 2019. It’s way better than TDF because it gets tenofovir DP into PBMCs, like CD4+ T cells and macrophages, more effectively. Descovy can help protect people from a virus called HIV. This medicine is made up of Loooong time ago (2004), before F/TAF, there was another medicine called F/TDF that was used to protect people from HIV. But TDF changed into tenofovir too quickly in the bloodstream resulting in side effects to renal and bone.

PrEP Medications at PULSE Clinic

Get your Descovy prescription for HIV PrEP today!

For more information about the medication and ordering process,

please email pulseliving@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform. 

 +66-84-226-2569    @pulserx         PulseClinic

Here are the differences between F/TAF (Descovy) and F/TDF (Truvada)

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
What’s the effectiveness of PrEP medication and condoms?

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.

I have my prescription and I want to order now, TAKE ME THERE!

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.

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.

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.

Which One Should I Use?

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.

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.

PrEP Medications at PULSE Clinic

Get your Descovy prescription for HIV PrEP today!

For more information about the medication and ordering process,

please email pulseliving@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform. 

 +66-84-226-2569    @pulserx         PulseClinic