What You Should Know About Descovy Side Effects

Every medication comes with potential side effects, and Descovy is no exception. The good news is that most people who take Descovy tolerate it well. But understanding what's normal, what's rare, and what requires a call to your doctor can help you feel more confident about your treatment.

This guide covers the common and serious side effects of Descovy based on FDA labeling, who may be more at risk, and practical tips for managing side effects.

What Is Descovy?

Descovy is a prescription medication made by Gilead Sciences that contains two drugs: Emtricitabine (200 mg) and Tenofovir Alafenamide (25 mg). It belongs to a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Descovy is used for two main purposes:

• HIV treatment — As part of a combination regimen for adults and children weighing at least 14 kg
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) — To help prevent HIV in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg

For a deeper look at how Descovy works, see our guide on Descovy's mechanism of action. For full details on uses and dosing, check out What Is Descovy?

Common Side Effects of Descovy

The following side effects are the most frequently reported in clinical trials. They are generally mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment:

• Diarrhea — One of the most commonly reported side effects. Usually mild and temporary.
• Nausea — May occur when you first start taking Descovy. Taking it with food can help.
• Headache — Typically resolves on its own within the first week or two.
• Fatigue — Some people feel more tired than usual when starting the medication.
• Stomach or abdominal pain — Mild discomfort that usually subsides over time.

These side effects affect a minority of patients and usually don't require stopping the medication. However, if any of these persist or become bothersome, let your healthcare provider know.

Serious Side Effects of Descovy

While rare, Descovy can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor right away — or go to the emergency room — if you experience any of the following:

Kidney Problems

Descovy can cause new or worsening kidney problems, including a rare condition called Fanconi syndrome. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Decreased urination
• Swelling in your legs or ankles
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Muscle pain or cramps

Your doctor will monitor your kidney function with regular blood tests while you're on Descovy.

Lactic Acidosis

Lactic acidosis is a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This is rare but can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:

• Unusual muscle pain
• Trouble breathing
• Stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
• Feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Severe Liver Problems

Descovy can cause severe hepatomegaly with steatosis (an enlarged, fatty liver). This is rare but serious. Watch for:

• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-colored urine
• Light-colored stools
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or pain in your upper stomach area

Hepatitis B Flare-Ups

If you have hepatitis B and stop taking Descovy, you may experience a severe flare-up of the infection. This is highlighted in Descovy's boxed warning. Your doctor should monitor your liver function for several months after you discontinue the medication.

Immune Reconstitution Syndrome

For patients taking Descovy as part of HIV treatment, your immune system may get stronger and begin fighting infections that were previously hidden. This can cause symptoms of those infections to appear. Tell your doctor if you develop new symptoms after starting treatment.

Bone Loss

Descovy may cause decreased bone mineral density. While Descovy has a better bone safety profile than older medications like Truvada, bone loss is still a potential concern, especially with long-term use.

Side Effects in Specific Populations

Kidney Impairment

Descovy is not recommended for patients with an estimated creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min (for HIV treatment) or below 15 mL/min without hemodialysis (for PrEP). If you have existing kidney problems, your doctor will monitor you closely.

Pregnancy

The safety of Descovy for PrEP during pregnancy has not been fully established. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Adolescents

Descovy for PrEP is approved for adolescents weighing at least 35 kg. The side effect profile is similar to adults, but bone mineral density should be monitored carefully in growing patients.

Hepatitis B Co-Infection

Patients with both HIV and hepatitis B need special monitoring. Stopping Descovy can trigger severe hepatitis B flare-ups, so never discontinue the medication without medical supervision.

How to Manage Descovy Side Effects

Here are some practical tips for dealing with common side effects:

• For nausea: Take Descovy with food. Avoid heavy, greasy meals right after taking it.
• For diarrhea: Stay hydrated and eat bland foods. If it persists beyond two weeks, talk to your doctor.
• For headaches: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are generally safe to take. Avoid high-dose NSAIDs, as they can affect kidney function when combined with Descovy.
• For fatigue: Give your body time to adjust. Most fatigue improves within a few weeks.
• Keep all follow-up appointments: Regular lab work (typically every 3 months) helps catch kidney problems or other issues early.

Never stop taking Descovy without talking to your doctor first — especially if you have hepatitis B or are using it for HIV treatment.

Final Thoughts

Descovy is generally well-tolerated, and serious side effects are uncommon. Most people experience only mild symptoms like nausea or headache when they first start the medication, and these typically go away on their own.

The key is to stay informed and keep up with your regular appointments. If you're concerned about side effects or have questions about whether Descovy is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider. You can also learn more about Descovy drug interactions to make sure your other medications are compatible.

Ready to fill your Descovy prescription? Use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near you.