If you’re looking at treatment options for HIV, your doctor might suggest Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide). You may be wondering about the side effects that can occur with this drug.

Descovy is a prescription medication that’s used to treat and prevent HIV. (HIV is a virus that affects your immune system.) This drug is taken with other medications to treat HIV in adults and certain children. It’s taken on its own to prevent HIV in certain adults and adolescents* at high risk for HIV. This use is called preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Descovy is a tablet that you take by mouth. You will take it once every day for a long time.

For more information about Descovy (including details about its uses), see this in-depth article on the drug.

Descovy can cause mild or serious side effects. Continue reading to learn more.

The termadolescent is used to describe children over the age of 12.

“Some people may experience side effects during their treatment. Descovy’s side effects are more commonly reported.”

See the side effects explained below for more information.

There are other side effects that can be had with Descovy. Read on to find out more.

There are some mild side effects that have been reported with Descovy.

See the side effects explained below for more information.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t stop using Descovy.”

Descovy may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Descovy prescribing information for more information.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Descovy, visit MedWatch.

Descovy has some serious side effects that can occur, but they are not common. There have been serious side effects reported with Descovy.

  • immune reconstitution syndrome (in which your immune system reacts to previously treated or undetected infections), a condition that can occur when Descovy is taken to treat HIV
  • New or worsening problems with the kidneys.
  • severe worsening of hepatitis B after stopping Descovy*
  • Descovy can prevent HIV resistance.
  • allergic reaction†‡
  • lactic acidosis‡
  • There are problems with the liver.

* Descovy has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see “Side effects explained” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Descovy. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.
‡ To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Descovy, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

Some of the side effects of Descovy may be discussed.

Nausea

You may have nausea with Descovy. Nausea was one of the most common side effects reported in people who took the drug.

Nausea is usually mild and short lived. But it can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious side effect of Descovy, such as lactic acidosis or liver problems. See below to read more about these side effects.

What might help

If you have nausea while taking Descovy, talk to your doctor. They may want to order tests to make sure the side effect is serious.

If your doctor thinks that your nausea is a side effect of Descovy, they may suggest ways to manage it. Reducing nausea can be done with tips.

  • Eating less but more often is what you should do.
  • Avoid spicy or greasy foods.
  • Drink fluids throughout the day.
  • eating or drinking something with fresh or ground ginger in it

If you have nausea that doesn’t go away, ask your doctor or pharmacist if a nausea medication would be right for you.

Severe worsening of hepatitis B

Descovy has a boxed warning about severe worsening of hepatitis B. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you stop taking Descovy, it could make you more susceptible to the disease.

When hepatitis B gets worse, it can lead to severe liver problems, such as liver failure.

What might help

You will be tested for the hepatitis B virus by your doctor before you start taking Descovy. This is done with a blood test.

If you test negative for HBV, your doctor may recommend that you get a hepatitis B vaccine before you start taking Descovy.

“If you test positive for the disease, your doctor may prescribe a drug to treat it. It is important that you talk to your doctor before you stop taking Descovy. Don’t miss doses or run out of Descovy. Reminders may be helpful to take your tablets every day. You should order your repeat prescriptions in good time.”

If you have the disease and your doctor recommends that you stop taking Descovy, they will keep an eye on you for several months. You may need to have blood tests to check your function. If your doctor thinks that your hepatitis B is getting worse, you may need to take medication.

HIV resistance

Descovy also has a boxed warning about HIV resistance. This is the most serious warning from the FDA.

If a person takes Descovy to prevent them from getting the HIV, they could develop resistance to the drug.

HIV resistance can be caused by a particular drug. If HIV develops resistance to Descovy, it will not be effective against HIV in your body. Descovy may not be effective in other HIV medications.

“If you don’t already have HIV, you should take Descovy. Descovy is used to help prevent HIV. If you contract HIV while you are taking Descovy, you will need to take other drugs for treatment. Descovy alone could lead to HIV resistance.”

Descovy is used to treat HIV. HIV is less able to develop resistance to drugs when using a combination of drugs.

What might help

You will have a blood test to check for HIV before you take Descovy. You should be tested for HIV at least every 3 months while you take Descovy.

If you have symptoms of HIV, call your doctor right away so that you can be tested. Early symptoms of HIV can include:

You should also call your doctor if you have symptoms of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs can increase your risk for contracting HIV.

If you miss a dose of Descovy, you will increase your risk of contracting HIV.

“If you are taking Descovy with other drugs to treat HIV, it is important that you don’t miss any of the doses. The likelihood of developing HIV resistance increases when there is missing doses.”

“Reminders to take Descovy may be helpful. You should order your repeat prescriptions in good time so that you don’t run out of tablets.”

If you test positive for HIV while taking Descovy, your doctor will discuss with you the best course of action. They may suggest taking other HIV medications as well. They may recommend other treatments.

Lactic acidosis

Descovy can sometimes cause lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in your body. This side effect is rare with Descovy. But it’s a medical emergency that can be life threatening if not treated.

Lactic acidosis can have symptoms.

What might help

If you have symptoms of acidosis, stop taking Descovy and contact your doctor. If you have symptoms that are fast or severe, call the emergency number.

If you have acidosis, stopping Descovy can help you get rid of it. You may need to go to the hospital for this side effect.

Your doctor may recommend that you switch to a different HIV medication after you have been treated for acidosis.

Liver problems

There are rare side effects of descovy.

There are symptoms of a problem with the liver.

What might help

If you have symptoms of a problem with the body, call your doctor. They may order a blood test to check your health. If Descovy is causing a problem with your body, your doctor may recommend that you take a different HIV medication.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Descovy can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

  • skin There is a rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • There is a process of flushing.
  • “It’s swelling under your skin, usually in your lips, hands, or feet.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild There is a rash., call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine that you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a product that you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Descovy, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Descovy, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Keep notes on any side effects you are having during your treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things.

  • What dose of drug did you take when you had the side effect?
  • How soon after starting that dose did you experience side effects?
  • What were your symptoms after the side effect?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help him learn more about how the drug affects you. Your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

There are answers to some frequently asked questions about Descovy.

Could I experience weight gain during my Descovy treatment?

Descovy isn’t known to cause weight gain. In studies, weight gain wasn’t reported by people who took Descovy to treat or prevent HIV.

People with HIV can lose weight. People who take different drugs to treat HIV can experience weight gain. It is not known if this is caused by any medication or if it is a result of the body recovering from HIV.

If you are concerned about how Descovy may affect your weight, talk to your doctor.

Is There is a rash. a side effect of Descovy?

It might be. Rash wasn’t reported in studies of Descovy. But this side effect has been reported in some people taking Descovy after the studies were completed.

A There is a rash. may also be a symptom of an allergic reaction to Descovy. To read more about this, see “Side effects explained” above.

If you have a There is a rash. while taking Descovy, contact your doctor. They can tell you if it’s an allergic reaction and recommend ways to manage it.

It’s also worth noting that a widespread There is a rash. can sometimes be a symptom of early HIV. If you’re taking Descovy to prevent HIV and you get a widespread There is a rash., contact your doctor. They may want you to have an HIV test.

If you have HIV and are taking Descovy, your doctor will need to evaluate your medication. This is to make sure you are taking the right combination. Taking Descovy alone to treat HIV could lead to resistance. See the side effects explained above for more information about HIV resistance.

Does Descovy cause vomiting?

It might. Descovy commonly causes nausea. Some people may also experience vomiting, but this isn’t as common. Vomiting can also be a symptom of a more serious side effect of Descovy, such as lactic acidosis or liver problems. See “Side effects explained” above to read more about these side effects.

If you vomit within 1 hour of taking Descovy, take another dose. If you frequently have vomiting with Descovy, talk with your doctor. They may recommend taking nausea medication to help prevent this. To learn more about nausea with Descovy, including tips on how to manage this side effect, see “Side effects explained” above.

It’s worth noting that vomiting can sometimes be a symptom of early HIV. If you’re taking Descovy to prevent HIV and you experience vomiting, call your doctor. They may want you to take an HIV test.

If you have HIV and are taking Descovy, your doctor will need to evaluate your medication. This is to make sure you are taking the right combination. Taking Descovy alone to treat HIV could lead to resistance. See the side effects explained above for more information about HIV resistance.

Is depression a side effect of Descovy?

It’s not known to be. In studies, depression wasn’t reported in people who took Descovy to treat or prevent HIV.

However, depression is very common in people who have HIV. If you have symptoms of depression, talk with your doctor. There are many effective treatments for this condition.

Does Descovy cause any long-term side effects?

It might, though this is rare. Most side effects of Descovy are mild and short lived or get better with treatment or stopping the medication. In rare cases, Descovy might cause liver damage or kidney failure that could be long term.

If you are concerned about long-term side effects from taking Descovy, talk to your doctor.

Descovy has warnings that may affect your use of it.

Boxed warnings

Descovy has two boxed warnings. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The boxed warnings for Descovy are:

  • Severe worsening of hepatitis B. If you have hepatitis B, it could get worse when you stop taking Descovy.
  • HIV resistance. You should only take Descovy to help prevent HIV if you don’t already have it. If you already have HIV, taking Descovy to prevent it could make the virus become resistant to Descovy.

See the side effects explained above for more information on these boxed warnings.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Descovy may not be right for you. Before you take Descovy, talk to your doctor about your health history. Those listed below are factors to consider.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Descovy or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Descovy. Ask your doctor which other medications are better options for you.

Kidney or liver problems. If you have a kidney or liver problem, taking Descovy could make this worse. Descovy can cause kidney problems even if you’ve never had any before. Ask your doctor about whether Descovy is safe for you.

Infections. Taking Descovy to treat HIV can make your immune system more responsive. As a result, your immune system may react to previously undiagnosed or previously treated infections. This side effect is called immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). IRIS can cause symptoms of infection and inflammation that may need treatment. Tell your doctor about any infections you have now or have had in the past.

Alcohol use and Descovy

If you have certain side effects with Descovy, drinking alcohol might make them worse. For example, alcohol could worsen nausea, There is a lot of There is a lot of There is a lot of diarrhea…, and There is a throbbing head.. Drinking alcohol might also increase your risk for liver problems with Descovy.

If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about how much you can safely drink.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Descovy

Pregnancy. Descovy hasn’t been specifically studied during pregnancy. Data from females* who’ve taken this medication during pregnancy don’t show an increased risk of problems with fetal development.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of taking Descovy. If you do take Descovy, you’re encouraged to enroll in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. This tracks the health of children born to those who took antiretroviral drugs, such as Descovy, during their pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. If you have HIV, you shouldn’t breastfeed your child, regardless of the treatment you’re taking. (And Descovy isn’t recommended for HIV prevention in females.*) If your child doesn’t have HIV, breastfeeding can transmit HIV to your child. If your child does have HIV, breastfeeding could make their HIV become resistant to any HIV drugs in your breast milk. This may make the child’s HIV harder to treat.

Breast milk can be passed into by Emtricitabine, one of the active ingredients in Descovy. It is not known if this occurs with tenofovir alafenamide. It is not known if Descovy affects breast milk production or causes side effects in a child who is breastfed.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

“Most of Descovy’s side effects are mild and will usually improve on their own within a couple of weeks. There is a small risk of serious side effects with drugs.”

“If you want to know more about Descovy’s side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you decide if this medication is right for you. Some examples of questions you might like to ask.”

  • I have a disease. Is Descovy at a higher risk for side effects?
  • Is it more likely that I will get side effects from Descovy the longer I take it?
  • If I take Descovy to prevent HIV, will it affect my immune system?
  • Is Descovy more safe than Truvada?

Q:

Is taking other medications riskier for me than taking Descovy?

Anonymous patient

A:

Yes. There are drugs and herbs that can increase your risk of side effects.

For example, taking certain antiviral drugs, such as Zovirax (acyclovir) and cidofovir, or certain NSAIDs, such as Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen), could increase your risk for kidney problems when used with Descovy.

There are many drugs that can increase your risk for side effects. Before you start using Descovy, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any drugs you take, as well as any herbs and supplements you take.

Dena Westphalen, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.