What is the difference between Biktarvy and Descovy?
The difference between Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is that Biktarvy contains an extra active ingredient called bictegravir. Both Biktarvy and Descovy are used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Descovy is also used for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Bictegravir is classified as an integrase strand transfer inhibitor and works by blocking the action of integrase, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enzyme that promotes viral replication. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that block the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that promotes the formation of DNA from RNA.
Biktarvy | Descovy | |
---|---|---|
FDA Approved | February 7, 2018 | April 4, 2016 |
How Supplied |
Each tablet contains:
|
Each tablet contains:
|
Indications |
HIV-1 Treatment
|
HIV-1 Treatment
HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
|
Biktarvy Indication
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 Indication
Descovy is indicated:
- in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 35 kg.
- in combination with other antiretroviral agents other than protease inhibitors that require a CYP3A inhibitor for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg and less than 35 kg.
Descovy is also indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection from sexual acquisition, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex (effectiveness in this population has not been evaluated).
Biktarvy and Descovy are both manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc.
Related questions
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]
Read next
Who are the actors in the Biktarvy commercials?
One actor and four real-life patients feature in the Biktarvy commercial “Keep loving who you are”, released on March 25th, 2020. They are Dimitri Moise, D’Eva Longoria, Zach [surname withheld], Nakeisa Jackson (Nikki), and Hugo [surname withheld]. The commercial was filmed at various locations including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Cape May, and San Antonio. Continue reading
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
Does Dovato cause weight gain?
Studies have shown that weight gain with Dovato can range from 2.4 to 6 kg (5.3 to 13.2 lb) or more after one year of treatment. Integrase inhibitors have been associated with significant weight gain in people living with HIV, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Biktarvy
- Bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir Alafenamide
- Descovy
- Emtricitabine / tenofovir Alafenamide
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