GENVOYA (COBICISTAT/ELVITEGRAVIR/EMTRICITABINE/TENOFOVIR ALAFENAMIDE)

Genvoya Description

If you are just starting HIV treatment or your current treatment is being replaced, ask your doctor if your viral load has remained undetectable long enough to meet the requirements for taking Genvoya. This is a newer HIV treatment regime that contains 4 drugs in 1 pill that only needs to be taken once-a-day with food and can be prescribed to those 12 years of age and older and you must weigh at least 77 lbs.

Genvoya Helps Reduce Your Viral Load

The 4 active antiviral drugs in Genvoya are Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Alafenamide. When taken as directed Elvitegravir works as an integrase inhibitor to interfere with the integrase enzyme so it cannot help the virus integrate its viral DNA into human DNA which is vital for the HIV to replicate and make more viruses. Cobicistat is only on board to boost the effectiveness and blood levels of Elvitegravir.

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide almost work the same in order to block the reverse transcriptase enzyme so the virus is unable to multiply. Tenofovir Alafenamide has better distribution into lymphoid tissues than the closely related drug called Tenofovir Disoproxil that is found in other HIV medications and provides greater antiviral activity while being less likely to cause bone or kidney damage.

Genvoya’s Objective

The goal of your HIV treatment is to reduce the amount of this virus in your blood (viral load) and to increase the amount of CD4 T-cells in your body to fight the HIV. CD4 T-cells (white blood cells) are a very important part of your immune system and if the virus continues to invade these cells to replicate their genetic material, your body is susceptible to many opportunistic infections. There is no cure for HIV, but prompt diagnosis, treatment, and taking meds as directed can result in many years left to enjoy.

Before Genvoya is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding as Genvoya may cause harm to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions with your doctor and list all Rx drugs you currently take or use, including street drugs, OTC meds, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements to be certain you will not experience any adverse reactions with Genvoya or decrease its effectiveness.

Genvoya Precautions and Recommendations

Taking Genvoya, or other HIV medications, will not protect you against spreading HIV to others. Always use protection during any sexual contact, never share or reuse needles, razors, or other items that could have body fluids on them. Do not share your medications with anyone and keep Genvoya and other drugs out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Genvoya

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache