Descovy vs. Apretude — Which is Best for Me?
Apretude, the first injectable PrEP, has recently launched, offering a new option compared to previous oral treatments. As a worldwide first, it promises to revolutionize how people rely on PrEP. No more pills. No more missed medication. Little wonder so many patients are curious about how it compares to other popular options available.
In this article, we will compare the benefits and side effects of the two medications for HIV PrEP to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare options.
What is Apretude?
It is a long-acting injectable medication for HIV PrEP. Its active ingredient is cabotegravir, which works by inhibiting the integrase strand transfer enzyme in HIV, preventing the virus from replicating and infecting new cells. Unlike other PrEP medications, it is administered as an injection by a healthcare provider once every eight weeks.
The package insert recommends that patients start oral PrEP at least four weeks before receiving the first injection to ensure adequate protection against HIV during this time. It is also essential to continue using condoms and other safe sex practices while receiving injections to protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What is Descovy?
It is a pill medication that the FDA approves for use in HIV PrEP. It contains two active ingredients, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, which work together to prevent HIV from replicating and infecting new cells. It is also important to continue using condoms and other safe sex practices while on this drug to protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
The recommended dosing of this medication is one tablet taken once a day with or without food. It is important to take the medicine consistently to ensure its effectiveness.
Comparing Benefits
When comparing the benefits of the two medications, some key factors must be considered. Here are the pros and cons of each:
Benefits of Apretude:
It is the first long-acting injectable medication for PrEP.
It only needs to be injected once every eight weeks.
It does not have to be taken with food.
There is no risk of forgetting to take a daily pill.
Cons:
It is a newer medicine, and less is known about its long-term safety and effectiveness.
It can be more expensive than other forms of PrEP.
The injection can be painful for some people.
Benefits of Descovy Medication:
It has been around for a long time and has a well-established safety profile.
It is available in pill form, which may be more convenient for some people.
It is less expensive than the injectable medication.
Cons:
It must be taken daily, which can be difficult for some people to remember.
There is a risk of forgetting to take a pill, which could lead to decreased effectiveness.
Ultimately, when it comes to HIV treatment, deciding which medicine to take will depend on individual factors, such as personal preferences, budget, and medical history. Therefore, discussing these factors with a healthcare provider who specializes in HIV services is important to make an informed decision.
Comparing Side Effects
Both medications have some potential side effects. Here are the most common side effects associated with each medication:
Descovy Side effects:
Nausea
Headache
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Back pain
Decreased appetite
Insomnia
Side effects of the injectable medication:
Injection site reactions, such as pain, swelling, or redness
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Decreased appetite
It is important to note that while certain individuals may not encounter these side effects, others might experience distinct ones.It is also important to report any side effects to a healthcare provider, as they may be able to suggest ways to manage them or adjust the drug dosage.
Overall, both options for PrEP, including the medication pill and apretude injection, are considered safe and effective, with the potential for side effects being relatively mild.
Final Thoughts
The choice between the two medications depends on individual preferences and medical history. While both have benefits and side effects, the differences may be significant enough to sway some individuals in one direction or another. Therefore, discussing options with a healthcare provider who can help determine the best medicine for each patient is essential.
At OSRA Medical, we provide a concierge medical service that prioritizes the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. We work with patients to find the best HIV prevention options, including apretude, and provide ongoing care to help manage their HIV risk. Our team of compassionate and experienced healthcare providers is committed to delivering high-quality care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
If you want to learn more about our concierge medical service, please see our website or contact us to schedule a consultation.