Question 1

Can you drink alcohol with Descovy?

Accepted Answer

There is no known interaction between Descovy and alcohol. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor. They can provide advice on how much alcohol, if any, is safe for you to consume while taking Descovy.

Question 2

How quickly does Descovy work?

Accepted Answer

When you take Descovy as prescribed, it can be up to 99% effective in preventing HIV. To get the full protection, you need to take it every day for at least 7 days. Before that, it’s not clear how well the medication works in preventing HIV.

Question 3

Is Descovy better for your kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Descovy works just as effectively as another medication called Truvada for HIV prevention, but with a lower risk of affecting your kidneys. However, Descovy can still cause kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your doctor will check your kidney health with blood and urine tests before you start taking Descovy and during treatment.

Question 4

Should I eat before taking Descovy?

Accepted Answer

You can take Descovy with or without food, so there’s no need to worry about eating beforehand. Just make sure to take one pill every day, and do so consistently for the best results.

Question 5

When is the best time of day to take Descovy?

Accepted Answer

You can take Descovy at any time of day that works for you. To help remember, it’s best to take it at the same time each day. If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember — but only on the same day. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one.

Question 6

If I am using Descovy tablets for PrEP, what else can I do to get protected against HIV?

Accepted Answer

When you use Descovy for PrEP (HIV prevention), it’s important to take the tablet every day, as skipping doses can increase your risk of contracting HIV. To further protect yourself, always use condoms during sexual activities. Condoms provide an extra layer of defense against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To ensure that the condom stays intact and works well, use water-based or silicone-based lubricants. These lubricants are safe to use with condoms and can help prevent them from breaking or slipping during use.

Question 7

Does Descovy cure HIV?

Accepted Answer

No, Descovy does not cure HIV. Currently, there is no cure for HIV. However, Descovy can help reduce the amount of HIV in your blood to undetectable levels, meaning the virus is not detectable with standard tests. It’s important to understand that even when HIV is undetectable, it hasn’t been completely eradicated from the body.

Question 8

Can Descovy tablets be used for PrEP by cisgender women?

Accepted Answer

Descovy is not currently approved by the FDA for use as PrEP in cisgender women, who are women assigned female at birth. This is because Descovy has not been tested specifically in clinical trials for its effectiveness in preventing HIV in cisgender women, especially for those at risk of exposure through vaginal intercourse. As a result, it is unclear whether Descovy can provide effective HIV prevention for cisgender women.