Tag: Truvada

The U.S. government filed a lawsuit against Gilead Sciences in 2019, alleging that the CDC holds key patents related to HIV prevention methods using the active ingredients in branded PrEP drugs. Understanding **who owns PrEP drugs?** is a complex matter involving major pharmaceutical companies, federal agencies, and generic manufacturers all vying for control and market share, with significant implications for public health.

In a 2012 study, researchers found that for each year HIV-positive patients took the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) contained in Truvada, their risk of chronic kidney disease increased by 33%. This has led many to question: **Does Truvada affect the kidneys?**. The answer is yes, particularly with long-term use, and understanding this impact is crucial for patient care and monitoring.

First approved by the FDA in 2003, emtricitabine (FTC) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). This classification places it among the essential antiretroviral drugs used in combination to treat and prevent HIV infection, leveraging its unique mechanism to block viral replication.

According to the CDC, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 80% when taken correctly. To achieve this, PEP involves a combination of powerful antiretroviral drugs that must be started within 72 hours of a potential exposure. Understanding what drugs are part of PEP is the first step in seeking this emergency prevention method.

Clinical trials, such as the DISCOVER trial, have shown that Descovy is associated with improved renal biomarkers compared to Truvada. This critical finding leads many to ask: is Descovy better for kidneys than Truvada? The answer lies in the different versions of the tenofovir drug they contain and individual patient health factors.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health bodies, Truvada is approved for adolescents as young as 12 years old, but understanding what is the age limit for Truvada depends on its specific use, such as PrEP or HIV treatment. Furthermore, age is not the only factor; a minimum body weight of 35 kg (77 lb) is also a critical requirement for both indications.

Since its FDA approval in 2003, emtricitabine has become a fundamental component of modern HIV therapy, especially when combined with other medications. An individual may be prescribed emtricitabine for two primary reasons: to treat an existing HIV infection or to prevent a potential one in at-risk individuals.

Advancements in HIV treatment have led to a variety of oral medications, but many patients wonder which ARV is blue, often referring to specific, recognizable tablets. The answer most commonly points to Truvada and Descovy, two key antiretroviral drugs used for both HIV treatment and prevention.

When taken as prescribed, both Descovy and Truvada are about 99% effective at preventing HIV from sexual exposure [1.2.2, 1.3.3]. The debate over the question, **Is Descovy better than Truvada?**, centers on their different side effect profiles and approved uses.

According to the IPERGAY trial, the 2-1-1 rule for tenofovir, an intermittent PrEP regimen, showed 86% effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). This alternative to daily dosing offers a different approach to pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals who can anticipate their sexual activity.