Descovy Is a Prescription HIV Medication Used for Treatment and Prevention

Descovy (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide) is a prescription medication that combines two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in a single tablet, used for treating HIV-1 and for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help prevent HIV infection.

Whether you've just been prescribed Descovy or you're researching it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it is and how to take it, to who should avoid it and how much it costs.

What Is Descovy?

Descovy is a brand-name medication manufactured by Gilead Sciences. Each tablet contains:

• Emtricitabine (FTC) — 200 mg
• Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) — 25 mg

A lower-dose pediatric tablet (120 mg/15 mg) is also available for children weighing 14 kg to less than 25 kg.

Descovy belongs to the NRTI drug class. It is not a controlled substance. There is currently no FDA-approved generic version of Descovy available in the United States as of 2026, though generic versions have been approved in the EU.

To learn how Descovy works at the molecular level, see our article on Descovy's mechanism of action.

What Is Descovy Used For?

Descovy is FDA-approved for two uses:

1. HIV-1 Treatment

Descovy is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg. Important: Descovy alone is not a complete HIV treatment regimen — it must be combined with other antiretrovirals.

2. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Descovy for PrEP is taken daily to reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg.

Key limitation: Descovy for PrEP is not indicated for individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex, as its effectiveness has not been evaluated in this population. For those individuals, Truvada or other PrEP options may be more appropriate.

How Is Descovy Taken?

Descovy is taken as one tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food. Here's what you need to know about taking it correctly:

• Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent drug levels in your body.
• Don't skip doses — for PrEP to be effective, daily adherence is essential.
• Don't stop without consulting your doctor — especially if you have hepatitis B, as stopping can cause severe flare-ups.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and take your next dose at the regular time. Don't double up.

Who Should Not Take Descovy?

Descovy is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Descovy if:

• You have a known allergy to Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide, or any ingredient in Descovy.
• You are HIV-positive or have unknown HIV status and are considering it for PrEP. Taking PrEP while HIV-positive can lead to drug-resistant HIV. You must be confirmed HIV-negative before starting and retested every 3 months.
• You have severe kidney impairment (estimated creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min for treatment, or below 15 mL/min for PrEP without hemodialysis).

You should also use caution and discuss with your doctor if you:

• Have hepatitis B co-infection
• Have existing kidney problems
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (safety for PrEP in pregnancy is not fully established)
• Are taking other medications that contain Emtricitabine or Tenofovir (such as Truvada, Genvoya, Biktarvy, Odefsey, or Symtuza)

For information on potential drug interactions, read our guide on Descovy drug interactions.

How Much Does Descovy Cost?

Descovy is expensive. Without insurance, the cash price ranges from $2,200 to $2,944 per month for a 30-tablet supply.

However, many patients pay significantly less — or nothing at all:

• ACA coverage: Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans must cover at least one PrEP medication at $0 cost sharing, including lab work and clinical visits.
• Gilead Co-Pay Savings: The Gilead Advancing Access program covers up to $7,200 per year in co-pays for commercially insured patients taking Descovy for PrEP.
• Patient Assistance Program: Gilead offers Descovy at no cost for up to 12 months for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Call 1-800-226-2056 or visit gileadadvancingaccess.com.
• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state but Descovy is generally covered.

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Descovy.

Final Thoughts

Descovy is a well-established, effective medication for both HIV treatment and prevention. Its improved kidney and bone safety profile compared to older alternatives like Truvada has made it a preferred option for many patients and providers. While the cost can be daunting, insurance coverage, manufacturer programs, and patient assistance make it accessible for most people.

If you've been prescribed Descovy and need to find it, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that have it in stock. To learn about side effects, check out our Descovy side effects guide.