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What is the difference between Biktarvy and Descovy?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 25, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

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:
  • bictegravir 50 mg
  • emtricitabine 200 mg
  • tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg
 Each tablet contains:
  • emtricitabine 200 mg
  • tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg
Indications HIV-1 Treatment
  • adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg
  • used as a complete regimen
 HIV-1 Treatment
  • adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg
  • used in combination with other antiretroviral agents

HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

  • at-risk HIV-negative men and transgender women weighing at least 35 kg

Related questions

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]

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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

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