Do I need to take emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide tablets (Descovy) for life?

Normally, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide tablets (Descovy, Descovy) need to be taken continuously throughout life to maintain its therapeutic effect and control HIV infection. This drug is an antiretroviral therapy (ART) drug used to control viral replication, reduce viral load, and improve immune system function to slow disease progression.

HIVis a chronic virus with no known cure. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide tablets, as an ART drug, can effectively inhibit the replication of the virus, but once you stop taking it, the virus may start to reproduce again, leading to worsening of the condition.

Therefore, according to current medical guidelines and practices, most HIVinfected patients need to continue taking ART drugs for life to maintain a stable condition and immune status. Medication regimens may be tailored to the patient's specific circumstances, but continued medication to control viral replication is routine practice.

Patients should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, take medications on time, and undergo regular medical monitoring and examinations to ensure the efficacy and safety of the medications. If you have any questions or concerns, patients should always communicate with their doctor to obtain professional guidance and support.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide tablets have been launched in China, but they have not yet been included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase them domestically at their own expense. The price is around 3,000 yuan, which is relatively expensive. Please consult the local hospital pharmacy for specific prices. Foreign original drugs are more expensive, and original drugs can be purchased domestically. The cheaper ones abroad are Indian generic drugs, which cost around 200~360 yuan. The price is much cheaper than domestic prices, and the ingredients of original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same.