Descovy side effects

[+ robear]

16 hours ago, Unicorn said:

Eeek! On many levels! Doesn't your NP attend continuing medical education classes? And what kind of insurance company doesn't require a prior authorization to be requested for an extraordinarily expensive medication like Descovy when there's an equally effective medication available for some 30 times less? 

For the record, my (big company-provided, commercial) health insurance covers both (generic) Truvada and (brand-name) Descovy 100% in formulary with no out of pocket, no special authorization needed.

[Guest]

5 hours ago, robear said:

For the record, my (big company-provided, commercial) health insurance covers both (generic) Truvada and (brand-name) Descovy 100% in formulary with no out of pocket, no special authorization needed.

Holy Mackerel! I can't imagine what the monthly premiums must be for a company which doesn't care whether you take an equally effective medication for $40 a month versus one which costs thousands per month. Well, you're pretty lucky to have a Rolls Royce policy. 

[+ robear]

11 hours ago, Vegas_nw1982 said:

Truvada is not genetic.  It may be more popular than Descovy because it has been in existence longer and spends a lot on advertising, but it is not generic.  Truvada is also a high price brand name.

Emtricitabine/tenofovir (generic Truvada) absolutely is available in the US, from US pharmacies, and has been for a few years.  First FDA approvals were ~2017, although commercial availability was later. If my Dr prescribes it, my pharmacy manager fills it with the generic by default. GoodRx shows a number of retailers offering it for ~$30/month

https://www.goodrx.com/emtricitabine-tenofovir

[Pittlookalike]

Such spirited discussion.  I’ve now been on descovy for one week. I definitely felt many side effects the first day per my original post. Since then I’ve felt fine.  Just wanted to share my experience.  

[+ sniper]

On 9/21/2022 at 3:43 PM, pubic_assistance said:

When I asked MY doctor about anti-HIV medications his response is: "wear a condom".

Lots of side effects and long range damage to my liver - or - forego bareback sex ?

I will stick with the condom.

If you're not having sex with men that often you could use the 2-1-1- dosing option, and presumably much lower risk of long term damage. That's my plan as someone whose dance card is not terribly full. 

[pubic_assistance]

4 hours ago, sniper said:

If you're not having sex with men that often you could use the 2-1-1- dosing option, and presumably much lower risk of long term damage. That's my plan as someone whose dance card is not terribly full. 

I am perfectly content with condoms.

Which my doctor recommends.

[+ sniper]

I wasnt saying don't use a condom also.