Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets (Descovy) is a fixed-dose combination preparation containing Emtricitabine (FTC) and Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF). It is used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV-1.

What Are the Side Effects of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets (Descovy)?

Major Adverse Reactions

In patients with HIV-1 infection: The most common side effect is nausea, with an incidence rate of ≥10%.

In PrEP users without HIV-1 infection: The most common adverse reaction is diarrhea, with an incidence rate of ≥5%.

Specific Side Effects

Diarrhea: Incidence rate of 5%.

Nausea: Incidence rate of 4%.

Headache: Incidence rate of 2%.

Fatigue: Incidence rate of 2%.

Abdominal pain: Incidence rate of 2%.

Severe Side Effects of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets (Descovy)

Severe Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B

Severe acute exacerbation of hepatitis B has been reported in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriage when they discontinue products containing FTC and/or Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF). This condition may also occur when Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets are discontinued.

Close monitoring of liver function in these patients is required.

If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B treatment may be necessary.

Central Nervous System-Related Risks

Angioedema, urticaria, and rash

Acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis, proximal tubulopathy, and Fanconi syndrome

Lactic Acidosis / Severe Hepatic Steatosis

Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (including fatal cases) have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including emtricitabine and other prodrugs of tenofovir contained in Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets.

Other Severe Adverse Reactions

Immune reconstitution syndrome: Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection, including those treated with Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets which contains FTC.

Important Precautions for Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets (Descovy)

Requirements for Liver Function Monitoring

Before or at the initiation of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablets use, patients should be tested for hepatitis B virus infection.

Requirements for Renal Function Monitoring

Serum creatinine.

Estimated creatinine clearance.

Urinary glucose.

Urinary protein.

For patients with chronic kidney disease, assessment of serum phosphorus is also required.

Special Requirements for HIV-1 PrEP

Strictly adhere to the daily administration schedule.

Insist on using condoms.

Undergo regular sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing.

Key Medication Guidance Points

Take one tablet daily, with or without food.

Do not miss any dose.

Avoid alcohol consumption during the medication period.

Requirements for Regular Examinations

HIV-1 testing: At least once every 3 months.

Renal function assessment: Conducted regularly as clinically needed.