Does Genvoya cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is not reported to be a side effect of Genvoya, a medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection. Genvoya is a four-drug combination tablet containing cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.
Dose reduction needed when taking certain erectile dysfunction drugs while on Genvoya
If you take Genvoya and use a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor to treat erectile dysfunction, the dose of the PDE5 inhibitor you take will need to be reduced (see table below). This is because when you take the drugs together, Genvoya increases the amount of the PDE5 inhibitor you receive and its effects.
In addition to reducing the dose of the PDE-5 inhibitor you take, you should also monitor more carefully for adverse events linked to PDE-5 inhibitors.
| Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor | Recommended dose while on Genvoya |
| Sildenafil (Viagra) | A single dose not exceeding 25 mg in 48 hours |
| Tadalafil (Cialis) | A single dose not exceeding 10 mg in 72 hours |
| Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) |
A single dose not exceeding 2.5 mg in 72 hours of vardenafil tablets (Levitra)
Avoid using Staxyn (vardenafil orally disintegrating tablets) with Genvoya |
Related questions
Erectile dysfunction is common in men with HIV
Erectile dysfunction is more common among HIV infected men than men without HIV. It is thought a number of factors contribute to this such as certain HIV medications that can affect the cardiovascular and metabolic systems, as well as medications used for other conditions, social stigma, and fear of transmitting the virus, for example.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Genvoya. March 2021. [Accessed August 23, 2021]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/207561s025lbl.pdf.
- Drugs.com. Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Alafenamide. July 20, 2020. [Accessed August 23, 2021]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/ppa/elvitegravir-cobicistat-emtricitabine-and-tenofovir-alafenamide.html.
- De Vincentis S, Tartaro G, Rochira V, Santi D. HIV and Sexual Dysfunction in Men. J Clin Med. 2021;10(5):1088. Published 2021 Mar 5. doi:10.3390/jcm10051088.
Read next
Does Genvoya make you gain weight?
Genvoya does not have weight gain listed as a side effect in the product labeling. However, a large study suggests some of the newer HIV treatments, including integrase strand inhibitors such as elvitegravir (found in Genvoya), can be linked with significant weight gain. Continue reading
Triumeq vs Genvoya. How do they compare?
Both Triumeq and Genvoya are combination one-tablet-a-day medicines that are considered first-line treatments for HIV-1 by the HHS guidelines. Because Triumeq does not contain cobicistat, an antiviral booster, it is less likely to interact with other medications and may have fewer side effects than Genvoya. People taking Genvoya do not need to be tested for the HLA-B*5701 gene, because it does not contain abacavir. Continue reading
Can I drink alcohol with Genvoya?
There is no interaction between Genvoya and alcohol, so most people can drink alcohol in moderation while on Genvoya. Excessive alcohol use on its own may increase HIV disease progression... Continue reading
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Drug information
- Genvoya Information for Consumers
- Genvoya prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Genvoya (detailed)
- Genvoya user reviews (129)
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