There is no expected interaction between both drugs, and thus they can be coadministered without any serious consequences. However, the importance of consulting a doctor or healthcare provider cannot be overemphasized.
Descovy is a drug approved by the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of HIV in adults and children who weigh 35 kg at least (as a part of a combination anti-HIV therapy). It also can be taken by children who weigh 25 kg and less when it is used alongside specific HIV meds.
This drug is approved for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP is a strategy involving a combination of some specific antiretroviral agents used to help people who are not infected with the virus prevent an infection. For example, individuals who have an active sexual life and reside in a locale with a high rate of HIV infection are considered to face a high risk. It is worthy of note that while this drug is an effective treatment for HIV, it does not cure it. Users of Descovy for PrEP are advised to practice safe sex (e.g. the use of condoms) [1].
Sustiva is an antiretroviral drug that reduces viral load in an HIV infected individual, thus reducing the damage induced by the virus to the immune system [2]. Sustiva, that contains efavirenz as its active ingredient, falls under a drug class known as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).
Sustiva is available in capsule, as well as a film-coated tablet form, for oral administration. In capsule form, this drug may contain either 200 mg, 100mg, or 50 mg of efavirenz. On the other hand, in tablet form, it contains 600 mg of the active substance [3].
Every drug has side effects, and Descovy and Sustiva are not an exception. Regardless, if they are used correctly and according to the prescription, there will be very little to no adverse reactions. One good way to utilize these drugs together with a very low risk of negative after-effects is to minimize or completely stop the use of alcohol. It is not that alcohol directly influences the side effects of drugs, but because the liver, which both tenofovir alafenamide and efavirenz affect in some way, also metabolizes alcohol. This may be too much work on the liver and can increase the risk of a problem.