Combining Descovy and Stribild may be toxic to the patient’s health and has the potential to cause health complications. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about both antiretroviral medications and available alternatives.
Descovy is a drug that contains two active ingredients (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) in fixed amounts used for treating HIV. In conjunction with other antiretrovirals, adults and children alike who weigh 35 kg and over can use it. On the other hand, in cases where it is taken together with some very specific ARV drugs, children who weigh at least 25 kg can also use it [1]. It is a combination medicine made of two inhibitors belonging to the nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor class. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) contained in Descovy is considered a prodrug of tenofovir.
Descovy is not a guaranteed cure for the infection, but it can help lower the viral load to a level it becomes undetectable if the prescription is followed strictly.
Stribild is an HIV medication commonly referred to as the Quad pill based on the fact that it contains four antiretroviral agents (tenofovir / cobicistat / elvitegravir/ emtricitabine) in a single pill. It is used once daily for the treatment of HIV-1 infection [2].
Stribild is usually administered to patients who are 12 years and older and weigh not less than 25 kg. This drug is not a cure for HIV, but if it is taken exactly as prescribed, it can stop the virus from advancing to AIDS and also prevent transmission.
Descovy is a double combination antiretroviral that can be used alongside other antiretrovirals for greater effectiveness. On the other hand, Stribild is a fixed-dose drug that contains four active ingredients and is considered a complete regimen to be used alone for treating HIV-1.
Combining Descovy and Stribild is not safe. This is due to the fact that they contain similar ingredients. Utilizing both drugs may result in an overdose that can lead to serious complications. Seek the guidance of a healthcare provider or doctor to find other alternatives.