What is the difference between Biktarvy and Descovy?
Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both antiviral medications used for HIV-1 treatment, but they have key differences:
- Biktarvy contains bictegravir, making it a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen on its own.
- Descovy does not contain bictegravir and must be used with other antiretroviral drugs for HIV-1 treatment. It is also approved for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
How Do Biktarvy and Descovy Work?
Both medications contain emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), which are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that block HIV replication. Biktarvy also contains bictegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) that prevents the virus from integrating into human DNA.
| Biktarvy | Descovy | |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approved | February 7, 2018 | April 4, 2016 |
| How Supplied |
Each tablet contains:
|
Each tablet contains:
|
| Indications |
HIV-1 Treatment
|
HIV-1 Treatment
HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
|
Related questions
- Which medicines should not be taken with Biktarvy?
- What if I miss a dose of Biktarvy?
- Does Biktarvy cause weight gain?
FDA-Approved Uses
Biktarvy
Biktarvy is indicated as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg:
- who have no antiretroviral treatment history
- have an antiretroviral treatment history and not virologically suppressed
- to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in those who are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no known or suspected substitutions associated with resistance to bictegravir or tenofovir.
Descovy
Descovy is indicated for:
- HIV-1 treatment (with other antiretrovirals) in adults and children (≥35 kg), and children 14–34 kg, but not with protease inhibitors that require a CYP3A inhibitor.
- HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in at-risk adults and adolescents (≥35 kg). Not approved for those at risk from receptive vaginal sex (effectiveness not evaluated).
Key Takeaways
- Biktarvy: A single-tablet regimen for HIV treatment.
- Descovy: Requires additional antiretrovirals for HIV treatment and is approved for PrEP.
- Both are manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc.
Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your needs.
References
- Biktarvy [package insert]. Updated July 2025. Gilead Sciences. Accessed on August 14, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=664cb8f0-1f65-441b-b0d9-ba3d798be309
- Food and Drug Administration. DESCOVY Product Label. Available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/208215s020lbl.pdf [Accessed February 27, 2024]
Read next
Do you have to take Biktarvy forever?
Biktarvy antiretroviral therapy (ART) is taken indefinitely for HIV-1 infection as it is a complete regimen for long-term treatment. Stopping ART can increase blood levels of the HIV virus, lead to resistance, increase your risk for HIV infections and complications and increase the chance that you may transmit the infection to others.
Continue reading
Can I drink alcohol while taking Biktarvy?
There is not a specific warning in the product label against alcohol (ethanol) consumption with Biktarvy, a medication used for HIV treatment. But drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver. Ask your doctor if it is safe and how much alcohol you can drink while taking Biktarvy.
Continue reading
Is Biktarvy covered by insurance?
Most commercial and government health insurance plans in the U.S. cover some portion of the cost for Biktarvy. Typically a person taking Biktarvy pays between $0 and $5 per month. A co-pay card program for Biktarvy offers up to $7,200 in cost-sharing assistance per year with no monthly limit.
Continue readingSee also:
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Drug information
- Bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir Alafenamide (230 reviews)
- Biktarvy (227 reviews)
- Descovy (22 reviews)
- Emtricitabine / tenofovir Alafenamide (22 reviews)
Related support groups
- Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (14 questions, 3 members)
- Biktarvy (27 questions, 29 members)
- Descovy (8 questions, 5 members)
- Emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (2 questions, 3 members)
- HIV Infection (99 questions, 250 members)
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (25 questions, 9 members)