Comparing Descovy and Truvada for PrEP

PrEP

Jul 28

Written By Taslim Somani

There are two options for PrEP - Descovy and Truvada.

Both Descovy and Truvada are approved by Health Canada to prevent HIV infection, when taken as prescribed, 1 pill, once-a-day.

Descovy and Truvada are equally effective at preventing HIV.

Both Descovy and Truvada are equally effective at preventing HIV, when taken as prescribed. Studies show that both medications are 95% to 99% effective at preventing HIV.

Who can take Descovy? Who can take Truvada?

Descovy is effective at preventing HIV in gay and bisexual cis men, and trans women only. Descovy is not approved for HIV prevention in women and people who use injection drugs.

Truvada is effective in everyone who is at risk for HIV – gay and bisexual cis men, trans women, trans men, heterosexuals, cis women and people who use injection drugs.

What is the cost of Descovy compared to Truvada?

Descovy costs about $1000 per month in Ontario. Descovy is four times (4x) the cost of generic Truvada, which is $250 per month.

Descovy is relatively new to the market – it was approved by Health Canada in October 2019 for PrEP. There is no generic version of Descovy at this time. Truvada is available as a generic formulation, and this is what makes the cost significantly lower than Descovy.

Is Descovy covered by ODB (Trillium, ODSP, Ontario Works, Seniors)?

Descovy is not covered by the Ontario Drug Benefits plan (ODB), which includes OHIP+, Trillium, ODSP, Ontario Works and the Seniors drug coverage programs.

Most private insurance plans, through your employer or school, will cover Descovy, and you may have to pay a deductible out-of-pocket. If you qualify, The Village Pharmacy may be able to assist with co-pay support for Descovy.

Generic Truvada is covered by ODB – you only pay the cost of your deductible. It is also covered by most private insurance plans.

Does Descovy have fewer side effects than Truvada?

Early data shows Descovy may be a bit easier on the bones and kidneys when compared to Truvada, but studies are on-going. You may still experience some nausea, headache and diarrhea when your first start, just like with Truvada.

Whichever PrEP medication you’re taking, it’s important to keep your regular appointments with your doctor, usually every 3 months. When you’re first starting PrEP or switching medications, your doctor will want to keep a close eye on how well you’re doing, if you’re experiencing any side-effects, or if there’s anything to be concerned about when it comes to your bones and kidneys. The vast majority of people on PrEP tolerate the medication very well.

Which is better for PrEP - Descovy or Truvada?

I hear this question a lot! It’s up to you and your doctor to determine the right HIV prevention medication for you. For some people, the smaller size of the Descovy pill is easier to take. For others, cost / coverage by ODB is more important.

Whichever option is right for you, there are 2 important things to remember: first, you must take PrEP every day for maximum protection against HIV infection, and second, keep up your regular appointments with your doctor so you can be proactive about any issues if they occur.

Questions? Need more info?

Get in touch anytime with our pharmacists at The Village Pharmacy. We’ve helped hundreds of people, just like you, successfully start PrEP. We’re here for you.

Call us, email or come-in anytime:

The Village Pharmacy - 535 Yonge Street, at Wellesley Station
Tel: 416-960-2323
Email: yonge@thevillagepharmacy.ca

Ready to start PrEP?

There’s no better time than now! Start PrEP, prevent HIV, take care of your health and protect the ones you love. The PrEP Clinic at The Village Pharmacy takes care of all the details (and we’re with you every step of the way), so you can start PrEP easily, hassle-free:

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