Initiating DESCOVY FOR PrEP®
INDICATION & LIMITATION OF USE

DESCOVY® for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is indicated in at-risk adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection, excluding individuals at risk from receptive vaginal sex. HIV-1–negative status must be confirmed immediately prior to initiation.

Limitation of Use: DESCOVY FOR PrEP® is not indicated in individuals at risk of HIV-1 from receptive vaginal sex because effectiveness in this population has not been evaluated.

Initiating DESCOVY FOR PrEP®1

Implementation fits within the paradigm of preventive health in primary care


Here's a brief overview of what you need to do prior to initiating DESCOVY FOR PrEP. Select each section to learn more about screening and monitoring patients:

  • DESCOVY FOR PrEP must be prescribed only to patients confirmed to be HIV negative
  • Do not initiate DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP if signs or symptoms of acute HIV-1 infection are present unless negative HIV status is confirmed
  • If screening or symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection indicate an individual may have become HIV positive while taking DESCOVY FOR PrEP, convert the HIV-1 PrEP regimen to an HIV treatment regimen until HIV-negative status is confirmed
  • Test and monitor for chronic HBV and, if negative, consider vaccination
  • Individuals should strictly adhere to the recommended DESCOVY FOR PrEP dosing schedule
  • The effectiveness of DESCOVY FOR PrEP in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV-1 is strongly correlated with adherence
  • Some individuals, such as adolescents, may benefit from more frequent visits and counseling
  • DESCOVY FOR PrEP is not recommended in individuals with CrCl <30 mL/min
  • In all patients, assess serum creatinine, estimated CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein on a clinically appropriate schedule
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease, assess serum phosphorus
  • DESCOVY FOR PrEP must be prescribed only to patients confirmed to be HIV negative
  • Do not initiate DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP if signs or symptoms of acute HIV-1 infection are present unless negative HIV status is confirmed
  • If screening or symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection indicate an individual may have become HIV positive while taking DESCOVY FOR PrEP, convert the HIV-1 PrEP regimen to an HIV treatment regimen until HIV-negative status is confirmed
  • Test and monitor for chronic HBV and, if negative, consider vaccination
  • Individuals should strictly adhere to the recommended DESCOVY FOR PrEP dosing schedule
  • The effectiveness of DESCOVY FOR PrEP in reducing the risk of acquiring HIV-1 is strongly correlated with adherence
  • Some individuals, such as adolescents, may benefit from more frequent visits and counseling
  • DESCOVY FOR PrEP is not recommended in individuals with CrCl <30 mL/min
  • In all patients, assess serum creatinine, estimated CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein on a clinically appropriate schedule
  • In patients with chronic kidney disease, assess serum phosphorus

Prescribe DESCOVY FOR PrEP to appropriate patients at risk for HIV. Use DESCOVY for HIV-1 PrEP to reduce the risk of HIV as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

DESCOVY® Co-pay Support

HBV=hepatitis B virus.