DESCOVY initiation and follow-up in 3 steps1,2
Confirm HIV-negative status
at initiation, at least every
3
MONTHS, and upon diagnosis
of an STI
- DESCOVY FOR PrEP® must be prescribed only to individuals confirmed to be HIV negative
- Screen for HBV infection prior to or when initiating DESCOVY
- Counsel individuals at initiation on the importance of taking DESCOVY as prescribed and safer sex practices
- Confirm estimated CrCl is ≥30 mL/min and assess urine glucose and urine protein prior to or when initiating
Screen for STIs every 3 TO 6 MONTHS per CDC recommendations
- Eg, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea*
- Samples can be taken from genitals, throat, or rectum depending on location of potential exposure to STI
During follow-up visits with individuals taking DESCOVY
FOR
PrEP:
- Reassess likelihood of HIV acquisition
- Continue to counsel on the importance of taking DESCOVY as prescribed and safer sex practices
- Continue monitoring renal function on a clinically appropriate schedule
PrEP medication should be considered part of a comprehensive STI prevention plan; PrEP medications do not reduce the risk of STIs other than HIV.
*See CDC guidelines for specifics on testing frequency.
Cost should not be a barrier to PrEP. Discuss with your patients the cost-savings options available to them.†‡
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†With or without secondary benefits.
‡Source: Data on file; as of 02/26/2026.
CDC=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CrCl=creatinine clearance; FTC/TDF=emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate; HBV=hepatitis B virus; PrEP=pre-exposure prophylaxis; STI=sexually transmitted infection.