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?
- Can Biktarvy be used for PrEP or PEP?
- What if I miss a dose of Biktarvy?
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
- 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
- Food and Drug Administration. BIKTARVY® Product Label. Available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/208215s020lbl.pdf [Accessed February 27, 2024]
- 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
Who are the actors in the Biktarvy commercials?
One actor and four real-life patients feature in the Biktarvy commercial “Keep loving who you are”, released on March 25th, 2020. They are Dimitri Moise, D’Eva Longoria, Zach [surname withheld], Nakeisa Jackson (Nikki), and Hugo [surname withheld]. The commercial was filmed at various locations including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Cape May, and San Antonio. Continue reading
Does Biktarvy cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a side effect with Biktarvy, but it was reported after the drug was approved and it's not known if it was caused by the drug. Studies have shown a weight gain of between 1 and 4 kg (2.2 to 8.8 lbs) over 2 years with integrase inhibitors. Continue reading
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 both initial and 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
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Drug information
- Biktarvy (225 reviews)
- Bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir Alafenamide (227 reviews)
- Descovy (22 reviews)
- Emtricitabine / tenofovir Alafenamide (22 reviews)
Related support groups
- Biktarvy (27 questions, 28 members)
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- Descovy (8 questions, 5 members)
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