There are two FDA-approved oral pill options of PrEP:
People taking Truvada may experience a loss in bone density or rarely long-term kidney issues.
Descovy does not impact bone density or kidney function.
Most people tolerate either medication well. Both prevent HIV from sexual exposure 99% of the time when taken once daily.
For exposure to HIV via intravenous substance use, please message your Q Care Plus provider to review options for you in detail.
An overview of HIV prevention medications
| Feature | Descovy | Truvada |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Descovy® is the updated version of oral PrEP approved in 2019. | Truvada® is the original pill for PrEP approved in 2012. |
| Effectiveness | Descovy® and Truvada® are 99% effective at preventing HIV. | |
| Clinical Trials | Descovy® is FDA-approved for men and trans women, and leading HIV experts also recommend it as a highly effective option for women. It has not been studied in people who inject drugs. | Truvada® trials included women, men who sleep with men, people who have vaginal sex, and people who inject drugs. |
| Bone Health | If you have concerns about bone strength, Descovy® is the option least likely to affect bone mineral density. | If you’re at risk for bone strength issues, Truvada® may not be the best option for you. Discuss this with your provider. |
| Kidney Health | While kidney issues with PrEP are extremely rare, if you have concerns about kidney health or a family history of kidney issues, Descovy® may be the safer option for you. | While kidney issues with PrEP are extremely rare, if you already have kidney impairment, your provider may recommend an alternative to Truvada® to keep you safe. |
| Safe to Take With |
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| Pill Size and Color | Descovy® is smaller than Truvada® and a shade of blue. | Truvada® can also be blue but is larger than Descovy®. Generic Truvada® pills may appear in different shapes and colors depending on the manufacturer. |
| Side Effects | Diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and fatigue are the most common side effects with both Truvada® and Descovy®. These usually go away within 1-2 weeks. | |
| Other Common Side Effects |
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| Once Daily Use | Both Truvada® and Descovy® are effective options for people who choose to take PrEP orally once a day. | |