No interactions take place (or very little) between Descovy and antibiotics. However, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before combining these drugs, as the outcome may vary on an individual basis.
Descovy is a medication used in the treatment and control of HIV. While it is capable of reducing the viral load to an undetectable state, it does not cure the infection. This drug is a double-combo antiretroviral that can be used with other ARV meds to improve its action. It is administered to both adults and adolescents 12 years old and above. It is not approved for use as PrEP – a strategy employed to help adults at high risk of acquiring HIV sexually reduce the risk [1].
Descovy contains tenofovir alafenamide, which is regarded as a prodrug of tenofovir. TAF is grouped under the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. On the other hand, emtricitabine, the second antiretroviral agent also contained in this drug, belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors drug class that functions to inhibit the process of transcription.
Very little to no interference has been found to take place when most of the antibiotic meds are taken alongside Descovy.
However, the importance of consulting a healthcare provider cannot be overemphasized. This may be due to the fact that incorrect or overuse of antibiotics on its own can cause certain complications or negative after-effects [2]. Also, taking antibiotics for the wrong reason can make bacteria develop resistance, so the drugs become ineffective. If this happens, in the event that there is an opportunistic infection where antibiotics may come handy, they might not work effectively.
Data shows there are over 100 drug-drug interactions with Descovy medication. Depending on the type of antibiotic, the interaction with this anti-HIV med may be of a different nature and lead to different effects. To avoid unexpected harmful interferences always check in with your doctor whether a particular type of antibiotic is safe for usage alongside Descovy.