Genvoya User Reviews & Ratings
Genvoya has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 128 reviews on Drugs.com. 61% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
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HIV Infection | 128 reviews for HIV Infection | 71 medications |
Reviews for Genvoya
- Ken...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 8, 2020
For HIV Infection "I became HIV+ 12 years ago. I was on research for a year, then I got off of it because my stomach and nerves couldn’t handle it anymore! I got on Atripla and was on it 10 years, then my doctor says take a leap of faith, so I did. But now it’s a year later, and my stomach is always hurting. I feel like I’m drained and cramped up in my muscles. It causes anxiety and depression that my doctor did not tell me about, which I already had from loved ones dying around me! I’m going back to Atripla, and if she doesn’t want to, then I’ll take another leap of faith and get a whole new doctor! I’d rather deal with nightmares and night sweats than stomach problems, muscle cramps, anxiety, and depression! HIV is already depressing enough at just the thought of having it, and to take an HIV pill that induces it more is too much on me!"
- MJa...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- May 4, 2020
For HIV Infection "I’ve been on Genvoya for 2 years after first learning my diagnosis. I was undetectable within a month, and my counts have been fantastic. I spoke to my doctor about some side effect concerns, and he told me to give it time. I’ve been speaking to him for about a year about my fatigue, lack of sleep, weight gain of over 40 pounds, depression, and sometimes numbness in my hands and feet. He says I work too much, and it’s all stress related. During the quarantine, I stopped taking my meds, ate clean, and worked out. I lost 11 pounds the first month. I kept the same routine and started taking my meds again. I’ve gained 2 pounds. This doesn’t add up. At this point, I don’t know if switching to other meds would be any better. They all sound like they have similar side effects."
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Genvoya stay in your system?
- What is Genvoya used to treat?
- Is Genvoya used for PrEP?
- Does Genvoya make you gain weight?
- Vin...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- April 9, 2017
For HIV Infection "I thought a long-term user review might be helpful. I've been on Genvoya for 3 1/2 years, I was part of one of the Gilead clinical trials. I've experienced no side effects at all, it may have something to do with taking antivirals for 10 years. My kidney function has improved and my CD4 count has doubled. Keep in mind that the drugs in this combination aren't necessarily new, but the manufacturing process makes it safer for the kidneys and bone density, which is why it was developed. If you can get past any initial side effects, I would recommend it. Long-term use of antivirals can damage the kidneys, and this is a huge improvement. I noticed a lot of the reviewers were newly diagnosed. Exercise, eat well, and take your meds. It does get better."
- Tan...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- March 5, 2019
For HIV Infection "Since I started Genvoya, I have had dry eyes, blurry vision, and now I can hardly walk. I have never had high cholesterol and high blood pressure until taking Genvoya. The doctors wouldn't listen to me when I asked to change my meds. They also won't report other side effects - this is not right. If you want people with HIV to live a normal life, this is not the way to treat us. We didn't ask to get HIV."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- MrM...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- December 11, 2018
For HIV Infection "This medication was promoted as being a golden egg. The headaches eventually subsided a little, but the muscle fatigue has been progressively getting worse and worse, to the point where it's hard even walking. Hard moving and difficult to sleep due to the pain. I also seem to be wasting at the extremities, like what happened in the '90s. Gastrointestinal - I have either fluffy stools or ones which are too hard to pass, intestinal gas, jabbing pains, and generally bloated. Dreams have not subsided. They are still vivid and affect my sleep quality. The worst is the middle weight gain, all around the belly, same gym regime, same dietary consumption, but it's this bloated pillow of fat. NOT recommended! Spoke to three friends and asked them what they are on, and without any hints, they all said 'was on Genvoya, fatigue, tiredness, weight gain'. Was on previous meds, all had side effects, but Genvoya is by far the worst."
- Cha...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 4, 2016
For HIV Infection "I started Genvoya over a week ago. After the 1st night, I realized I most likely didn't hit REM sleep. I asked my doctor about it, and he said that if taken right before bed, it can cause sleep issues for the first couple of months or so. He told me to take it earlier, mid-afternoon instead. That way, my body has time to metabolize the drug before I sleep. I have been sleeping great since. The biggest side effect is the bloated feeling. It does make you very gassy, constipated, and makes your natural gag reflex very sensitive. I have vomited 3 times since being on the medication just from coughing or laughing. The doctor said these effects are normal and should go away as my body gets used to the drug. I used CareAssist to pay for Genvoya."
More FAQ
- Does Genvoya cause erectile dysfunction?
- Can I drink alcohol with Genvoya?
- Triumeq vs Genvoya. How do they compare?
- Does Genvoya cause hair loss?
- Ind...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- March 14, 2020
For HIV Infection "I have been HIV+ since June of 2018. Started on Genvoya, and everything went well at first. Now I am having constant loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting. No good sleep. I always seem to be super gassy. Has anyone else experienced this? Started to get concerned about my health."
- Ske...
- April 1, 2016
For HIV Infection "DO NOT SWITCH! If you are already taking Stribild like I was, then FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT SWITCH! DO NOT RISK IT! I was diagnosed last year, started on Stribild, luckily with minimal side effects! Everything was going well except for my back spasms, which are no biggie compared to what I experienced with this new pill. About a month ago, my doctor suggested I switch. I decided to go ahead since this is supposed to be a lighter version of Stribild and just as effective. Well, it turned out it's not! At least not for me! Not sure if it has to do with ethnicity or age, but this new pill made me remember what it feels like to be lying on a deathbed! I felt like I was back in square one. I really did give it a chance, but it just wasn't for me."
- Rob...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 26, 2016
For HIV Infection "I had to go back on Atripla. Genvoya gave me dizzy spells. I took it for one month, stopped 5 days ago, and I'm still having dizzy spells. I cannot find if anyone else is having the same side effects, wondering how long it will still stay in my system and keep me dizzy, and I get jittery!"
- Hap...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 12, 2020
For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV as a teen, it was a really hard time for me, and it took a lot of growing for me to understand the changes that were coming to me. My first days on Genvoya were filled with vomiting (which is normal after your first doses). The vomiting went away after a day or so-also due to using ginger to stop the nausea. I also noticed vivid dreams that were not normal to me. Slight weight gain-which was what I wanted. I do notice till this day if I go hours without eating, my stomach will become upset. Even at night sometimes I have pains that wake me up, but as soon as I eat something, even small, it goes away. I have been undetectable for about 2 years now. I am learning to take better care of myself and am on a journey to happiness."
- Lin...
- September 16, 2018
For HIV Infection "To be completely honest, reading all of these reviews leaves me feeling skeptical. The formula of pronouncing CD4 (as if I can even remember mine in the horror of finding out I was positive) and viral load. My own experience was I researched the newest and best drug and spoke with my doctor about Genvoya. We agreed that it would be a good option as it’s sort of like the new and improved Atripla. I am awaiting my next appointment to check my VL and CD4. Since I work overseas, I’ve been on Genvoya for 6 months and don’t know how my lab work is coming just yet, BUT I can speak on behalf of the side effects. Poor concentration, nerve pain in the left side of my head trickling down to my neck, fatigue that baffles me, forgetfulness, digestive discomfort, sleep that’s never quite good enough, cold extremities, and weakness. I’m worried because it’s a tough pill to swallow that my meds make me feel worse, and I think a lot of people with honest and unsponsored reviews can relate."
- Gen...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 17, 2017
For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with a viral load of 200,000 and CD4 count of 12. I was the walking dead in my opinion with PCP pneumonia. Laying in the bed fighting for my life, 21 days later I was able to walk out of the hospital, weak, however, I still walked out. I started taking Genvoya about 5 weeks ago, and my viral load has dropped to 100k and CD4 around 225. I haven't had any of the common side effects. No headaches. No nausea. No IBS (not sure if that's one of the side effects or not). I'm rating Genvoya a 10. It's the new kid on the block with very positive results and low side effects. I hope this helps."
- Bab...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 22, 2017
For HIV Infection "Update! I initially gave my review about Genvoya within the first few days of starting it. Two months in, I have great news. My viral load has been checked twice since taking Genvoya two months ago. First month, VL went from 20000 to 459, CD4 went from 370 to 570. Second month, VL went from 459 to 102. This is lifesaving medicine. In the first few days, I had slight nausea and a headache, a feeling of Bengay or icy rub on my arms and hands. After two months, zero side effects with the exception of being hungry all the time. I'm energetic, not tired anymore, everyone says I have this glow, feel really great! I take Genvoya with food and without. I take it before bed. This is great medicine. I can drink a beer with it, no side effects at all... I absolutely love Genvoya."
- You...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- January 10, 2019
For HIV Infection "Horrible side effect. My doctor kept telling me I was okay, but I know my body more than he does, so I got kinda pissy about it. Then he’s like, it’s just this and that, blah blah blah. Listen to your body and do your research. Genvoya gave me so much diarrhea, I lost so much weight, and I couldn't sleep. I was crazy and worried all the time. I was stressed out, and I couldn’t control my anxiety. I was going crazy, so I had to switch. Finally, my doctor agreed after moaning and moaning at him. Now I’m on Triumeq, and I feel so much better. My eyes aren’t as red anymore."
- Mik...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- June 23, 2018
For HIV Infection "I loved Atripla, but my boyfriend brought to my attention all of its long-term effects, so my doctor switched me to Genvoya. Except for the dreams, I had no immediate Atripla side effects, but with Genvoya, I can't say the same. I've been on it for about nine months. My arms, legs, hands, and feet go numb. My weight gain has been rapid and ridiculous. I urinate constantly but hardly defecate. My joints ache. I have awful headaches. I constantly feel full and bloated. The kidney discomfort is unreal. My muscles sometimes ache, too. I even have testicular pain. When I soon see my doctor, I'll request a new regimen. For the first time in fourteen incredibly healthy years, I'm considering going off meds altogether. I hate Genvoya."
- Bal...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 19, 2019
For HIV Infection "Heterosexual male, HIV+, 31 years, have been struggling with medication for a number of years. I was put on Genvoya. First 3 months were great, then several unexplained UTIs, skin on palms of hands just peeling off, severe outbreak of eczema to face, energy levels and appetite dropped, and the dizziness caused me to have two falls in a week. My clinic, which is not local, and as I have a relative in the same area, so I usually combine a visit with an appointment. Going to get a medical opinion in a day or so, but not at all happy with the medication at present."
- Jda...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- March 31, 2018
For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed positive 2/15/05. Viral load was as high as it could be (I think it was 16,000 or 16 million, I’m not sure). T cells were below 500 - started with the usual two-pill treatment, and it worked great. In four months, I was undetectable and T cells climbed to 1,000. Then, because I was in the same treatment for 9 years, my doctor switched me to Genvoya. Gotta say I miss the wild dreams from taking Sustiva, but Genvoya is great. I’m 51 now, undetectable for 13 years now, and my T cells are between 1,200 and 1,300. My only issue is weight gain - I barely eat these days, trying diet after diet, but my belly is still big and I feel like I’m growing breasts. My doctor insists it's not the Genvoya, but I don’t know - I wasn’t this big before I started and I was very healthy, and I cook every meal myself."
- ll2...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- November 8, 2018
For HIV Infection "I have been on Genvoya for about 20 months and the medicine truly does work some huge side effects for me personally was weight gain. I was already at a healthy weight of 235 for my height but while being on this medication I gained 48lbs and for the life of me tried losing weight but couldn't get it down and I told my doctor and he insisted that it was my eating habits and not working out but after doing blood work and comparing all my test, we found out my cholesterol had tripled in numbers and my fatty cells which were at 93 in my blood had jumped to 444. So I am switching to biktarvy and hopefully that helps"
- Kam...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 8, 2018
For HIV Infection "I'm very inconsistent when taking medication. My CD4 count was almost under 200, so I decided to take it more seriously. My first medicine was Stribild. I loved that medicine, but I ended up in the hospital for a week due to liver failure. I refused to take the medicine after that. So, my doctor prescribed Genvoya. I have no side effects like the rest on here, BUTTTT... I've gained over 60 pounds! I went from 142 to 219 and growing. I had to buy new clothes a few months ago, and now my pants are too tight again! I work in a professional setting and must wear suits. I can't afford to keep buying new clothes. It's very inconvenient. I'm going to the doctor on the 20th to see if they can switch my medicine. My diet and eating habits have always been the same, so I don't know why I'm gaining weight uncontrollably. It's making me very insecure."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- January 30, 2020
For HIV Infection "Genvoya gave neuropathy, numbness and tingling in my feet legs and hands. Also freezing feet. It controls the virus but the neuropathy is so bad. Dr switched me to Truluca . Neuropathy is going away now after 6 weeks on it. I hope it all goes away, this is not called quality of life."
- Kim...
- January 9, 2019
For HIV Infection "Diagnosed in 2018, June. I have taken genvoya as my first medication when I found I was HIV +. When I diagnosed as HIV + my cd4 was 500 and VL was 3,026. I became undetectable after 3 weeks since I started taking this pill. Yesterday I went to doctor and we decided to change my medication because of side effects. I’ve been suffering by diarrhea since I took genvoya. When it was serious I went to toilet even 6~7 times a day. If I ate just a small amount of food or sauce to taste I should go to toilet straight away. The gas irritation was serious, too. Sometimes I had muscle pain. The muscle pain was okay to me. But the diarrhea was really annoying. I have a meal, dinner, a day. I couldn’t understand after toileting in the morning why the diarrhea kept happening even without food. Sometimes I was nervous to go to somewhere if i should drive more than half an hour. Honestly I don’t wanna recommend genvoya if you are thinking about it. Diarrhea, muscle pain, gas irritation, a serious fatigue."
- CS1...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 26, 2016
For HIV Infection "I started Genvoya after being on ATRIPLA since 2007. I wish I would've switched sooner to at least Stribild. I hated the 'drunk/high' feeling I got for hours after I took ATRIPLA. I switched at the beginning of March. The only downside I've had was the first two days I really didn't sleep very well (maybe only 2 hours each night). Also, my ears would have sharp pains for those two days. Now I feel great! I don't have to freak out if I have to drive during the day because it doesn't make me high. I take my new little pill with breakfast, and I LOVE it! Oh, another plus is it's about 1/3 the size of ATRIPLA!"
- Dan...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- March 10, 2018
For HIV Infection "I've been taking this medicine for about a year I've noticed I ended up with neuropathy after 6 months. I know it's neuropathy. Throughout I was asking a lot of people and doctors and they're all getting the same results neuropathy and serious nightmares and other health problems. I just wish the people taking it and the company would tell the truth - it is not a miracle drug the end up with neuropathy severe dreams and other health problems probably won't even post this because it's all about the Mighty Dollar that's my opinion.."
- Rya...
- October 11, 2016
For HIV Infection "Had been taking Atripla for 6yrs w/out ANY side-effects. Doctor retired and new doc suggested i switch to Genvoya as he said the risk of liver damage was greater w/ Atripla. I switched. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING issues began occurring within the past 6mths. However, none of these symptoms were ever attributed to my Genvoya ... until now. * Numbness in my left arm and hand. So much so that I sought advice of a neurologist. * Difficulty swallowing. PAINFUL!!! It feels like my esophagus just STOPS and won't push the food down. Upper GI scope found nothing. * EXTREMELY and easily irritated/agitated * Nervousness / anxiety * Frequent sudden mood swings The last 3 issues drove me and my loved ones crazy. I was NOT myself."
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- Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Alafenamide (AHFS Monograph)
For HIV Infection "I've been taking Genvoya for about three months and have been experiencing some weird side effects and unsure if others have experienced as well. They are confusion, memory loss, thought process. There are some days I find myself with slow thought process, unable to articulate well or find it hard to think of words and putting them together in sentences. I've said things and a minute later I would forget what I've said and at times feel unable to focus. I'm wondering if anyone had similar experiences?"