Alternatives to Descovy If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If you've been prescribed Descovy but can't find it in stock or afford the cost, you're not out of options. Several FDA-approved alternatives can provide similar protection against HIV — whether you use it for treatment or prevention. In this guide, we'll explain what Descovy is, how it works, and walk you through the best alternatives available in 2026.

What Is Descovy?

Descovy is a brand-name medication made by Gilead Sciences that contains two active ingredients: Emtricitabine (200 mg) and Tenofovir Alafenamide (25 mg), often abbreviated as FTC/TAF. It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Descovy is used for:

• HIV-1 treatment — in combination with other antiretroviral drugs
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) — taken daily to prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative but at risk of acquiring HIV through sex

Important note: Descovy for PrEP is not approved for individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex. If that applies to you, talk to your doctor about Truvada or other options instead.

For a deeper dive into the medication, see What Is Descovy? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

How Does Descovy Work?

Descovy works by blocking an enzyme called reverse transcriptase that HIV needs to copy itself inside your body. Both ingredients — Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide — interfere with this process at the molecular level, preventing the virus from multiplying.

Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) is a newer, more targeted form of tenofovir. It achieves effective antiviral levels at a dose 10 times lower than the older form (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, or TDF), which means less drug circulating in your bloodstream. This translates to fewer kidney and bone side effects compared to TDF-based medications like Truvada.

For the full explanation, read our article on how Descovy works.

Alternative 1: Generic Truvada (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate)

Generic Truvada is the most common alternative to Descovy and is widely available across the United States. It contains Emtricitabine (the same ingredient in Descovy) plus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) — an older form of tenofovir.

Key facts about generic Truvada:

• Cost: Approximately $30 to $100 per month with a coupon, compared to $2,200+ for brand-name Descovy
• Availability: Widely stocked at nearly every pharmacy in the US
• FDA-approved for: Both HIV treatment (in combination) and PrEP — including for individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex
• Differences from Descovy: TDF has a slightly higher risk of kidney and bone side effects compared to TAF. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function and bone health if you take Truvada long-term

For many patients, generic Truvada is an excellent choice — especially if cost or availability is a concern. It's been used for PrEP since 2012 and has a long track record of safety and effectiveness.

Alternative 2: Apretude (Cabotegravir Extended-Release Injectable)

Apretude is a long-acting injectable PrEP option made by ViiV Healthcare. Instead of taking a daily pill, you receive an injection from your healthcare provider every 2 months (after two initial monthly doses).

Key facts about Apretude:

• How it works: Cabotegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) — a different drug class than Descovy. It blocks HIV from inserting its genetic material into your cells
• Best for: People who have difficulty taking a daily pill or prefer not to
• FDA-approved for: PrEP in adults and adolescents at risk of sexually acquired HIV-1, including both receptive vaginal and anal sex
• Cost: Approximately $3,700 per injection, but most insurance plans and assistance programs cover it. ViiV Healthcare offers a patient assistance program
• Availability: Available at clinics and healthcare facilities that offer injectable medications. Not available at standard retail pharmacies

Alternative 3: Lenacapavir (Sunlenca / Yeztugo)

Lenacapavir, sold under the brand names Sunlenca (for treatment) and Yeztugo (for PrEP), is the newest option in HIV prevention. Made by Gilead Sciences, it's a twice-yearly injection — meaning you only need to visit your provider every 6 months.

Key facts about Lenacapavir:

• How it works: Lenacapavir is a first-in-class capsid inhibitor that interferes with multiple stages of the HIV life cycle
• Best for: People who want the least frequent dosing schedule possible
• FDA-approved for: PrEP (as Yeztugo) and as part of HIV treatment combinations (as Sunlenca)
• Cost: Pricing varies; manufacturer assistance programs available through Gilead Advancing Access
• Availability: As a newer medication, it may be available at fewer locations. Check with your HIV specialist or use Medfinder to find providers

How to Choose the Right Alternative

The best alternative depends on your individual situation. Here's a quick comparison:

• If cost is your main concern: Generic Truvada is the most affordable option at $30 to $100 per month
• If you struggle with daily pills: Apretude (every 2 months) or Lenacapavir (every 6 months) removes the daily burden
• If you need PrEP for receptive vaginal sex: Truvada, Apretude, or Lenacapavir are approved for this; Descovy is not
• If kidney or bone health is a concern: Descovy (TAF-based) has a better safety profile than Truvada (TDF-based) for these issues. Apretude and Lenacapavir avoid these concerns entirely since they use different drug classes

Always talk to your healthcare provider before switching medications. They can evaluate your health history, run appropriate lab tests, and recommend the best option for you. Find a prescriber near you: How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Descovy Near You.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Descovy prescription is frustrating, but it shouldn't stop you from protecting yourself against HIV. Generic Truvada, Apretude, and Lenacapavir are all proven alternatives that may be more accessible or affordable for you in 2026.

If you'd still prefer Descovy, try using Medfinder to check stock at pharmacies near you, or explore savings programs that can bring the cost down. The most important thing is to stay protected — whichever medication you and your doctor choose.