There is no potential interaction between Tivicay and Descovy. This doesn’t mean there are no existing interactions. It’s necessary to consult with a doctor prior to starting any medication.
Tivicay contains the active ingredient dolutegravir. It is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) approved for use in combination with other potent antiretrovirals (or ARV) medicines for the treatment of HIV infection. This med is not a cure for HIV but suppresses the viral load and substantially boosts the immune function [1].
Descovy belongs to the NRTI class of antiretroviral drugs used as a remedy for HIV/AIDS. Its active ingredients emtricitabine (EM) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are highly effective in suppressing the viral load and strengthening the patient’s immune system by increasing the CD4+ cell count [2].
TAF is a pro-drug of TDF with improved safety profile to kidney and bone loss problems during HIV treatment. Descovy is also approved for reducing the chances of infection as PrEP for a non-infected individual who is highly exposed to the virus. It must be used together with safer sex measures for the drug to be highly effective [3].
There is no serious interaction expected between emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (FTC/TAF) and dolutegravir and it’s safe to co-administer. Co-administering dolutegravir with EM/TAF studied in a crossover study shows that interaction increases tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) AUC and Cmax increased by 17% and 24%, respectively. Tenofovir Cmax and AUC increased by 10% and 25% respectively. There is no effect on dolutegravir pharmacokinetics [4].