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Descovy Dosage

Generic name: EMTRICITABINE 200mg, TENOFOVIR ALAFENAMIDE FUMARATE 25mg
Dosage form: tablet
Drug class: Antiviral combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2024.

Testing When Initiating and During Use of DESCOVY for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection or for HIV-1 PrEP

Prior to or when initiating DESCOVY, test individuals for hepatitis B virus infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Prior to or when initiating DESCOVY, and during use of DESCOVY on a clinically appropriate schedule, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all individuals. In individuals with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

HIV-1 Screening for Individuals Receiving DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP

Screen all individuals for HIV-1 infection immediately prior to initiating DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP and at least once every 3 months while taking DESCOVY, and upon diagnosis of any other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [see Indications and Usage (1.2), Contraindications (4), and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

If recent (<1 month) exposures to HIV-1 are suspected or clinical symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection are present, use a test approved or cleared by the FDA as an aid in the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4), and Clinical Studies (14.3)].

Recommended Dosage for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Adults and Pediatric Patients Weighing at Least 35 kg

DESCOVY is a two-drug fixed dose combination product containing emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

The recommended dosage of DESCOVY for treatment of HIV-1 is one tablet containing 200 mg FTC and 25 mg of TAF taken orally once daily with or without food in:

  • adults and pediatric patients with body weight at least 35 kg and estimated creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 30 mL per minute; or
  • adults with creatinine clearance below 15 mL per minute who are receiving chronic hemodialysis. On days of hemodialysis, administer the daily dose of DESCOVY after completion of hemodialysis treatment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The safety and effectiveness of DESCOVY coadministered with an HIV-1 protease inhibitor that is administered with either ritonavir or cobicistat have not been established in adults with creatinine clearance below 15 mL per minute, with or without hemodialysis.

For specific dosing recommendations for coadministered antiretroviral drugs, refer to their respective prescribing information [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Recommended Dosage for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Pediatric Patients Weighing at Least 14 kg to Less than 35 kg

The recommended dosage of DESCOVY in pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg to 35 kg is based on body weight and provided in Table 1. This dosing information is applicable to pediatric patients with estimated creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 30 mL per minute [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] who are not receiving an HIV protease inhibitor that is administered with either ritonavir or cobicistat.

Table 1 Dosing for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection in Pediatric Patients Weighing 14 to Less than 35 kg
Body Weight (kg) DESCOVY Dose
25 kg to less than 35 kg One tablet containing 200 mg FTC and 25 mg of TAF taken orally once daily
14 kg to less than 25 kg One tablet containing 120 mg FTC and 15 mg TAF taken orally once daily

The safety and effectiveness of DESCOVY coadministered with an HIV-1 protease inhibitor that is administered with either ritonavir or cobicistat have not been established in pediatric subjects weighing less than 35 kg.

For specific dosing recommendations for coadministered antiretroviral drugs, refer to their respective prescribing information [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Recommended Dosage for HIV-1 PrEP in Adults and Adolescents Weighing at Least 35 kg

The dosage of DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP is one tablet (containing 200 mg of FTC and 25 mg of TAF) once daily taken orally with or without food in HIV-1 uninfected:

  • adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg and with a creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 30 mL per minute; or
  • adults with creatinine clearance below 15 mL per minute who are receiving chronic hemodialysis. On days of hemodialysis, administer the daily dose of DESCOVY after completion of hemodialysis treatment [see Indications and Usage (1.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Not Recommended in Individuals with Severe Renal Impairment for Treatment of HIV-1 Infection or for HIV-1 PrEP

DESCOVY is not recommended in individuals with:

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