Truvada vs Descovy

What is Truvada for PrEP?  

Truvada is a once-daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission. Its active ingredients are emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada can be taking by adolescents and all adults who weigh over 77lbs

Truvada is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, inc. and was approved for HIV prevention in 2012 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Truvada can be taken by everyone over 77lbs.  A generic version of Truvada was approved by the FDA in 2017 

What is Descovy for PrEP?  

Descovy is a once-daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission. Its active ingredients are emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. Descovy can only be taken by cisgender men and trans women.  

Descovy is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, inc. and was first approved by the FDA in 2016 as a treatment for HIV, but as of 2019 it is now approved for HIV prevention.  

Which is better?  

Truvada and Descovy are both amazingly effective at preventing the transmission of HIV. Research shows that they share similar efficacy and tolerability. Though they use different forms of tenofovir, there is no research that suggests one is more effective than the other.  

Descovy is a safer option for people with a history of kidney issues or osteoporosis.