Biktarvy vs Descovy
A side-by-side look at two hiv medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Biktarvy | US Descovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide | emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide |
| Drug class | Integrase Inhibitor + NRTI Combination | NRTI Combination |
| Treats | HIV-1 infection | HIV treatment and prevention (PrEP) |
| Category | HIV | HIV |
| Manufacturer | Gilead Sciences | Gilead Sciences |
| Year approved | 2018 | 2016 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $180M | — |
| Common side effects | Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping, Headache, Diarrhea, Nausea | Diarrhea, Nausea, Headache, Worsening of hepatitis B if stopped (boxed warning) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Biktarvy or Descovy better?
Neither is universally "better." Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both used for hiv, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Biktarvy and Descovy?
Biktarvy is a Integrase Inhibitor + NRTI Combination made by Gilead Sciences, while Descovy is a NRTI Combination made by Gilead Sciences. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Biktarvy has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.