Antiretroviral (HIV medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (sold as Descovy in Nigeria) is a combination of two antiviral medicines that work together to stop HIV from multiplying in your body, helping to keep your immune system strong.
Inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase by acting as nucleoside/nucleotide analogue inhibitors, preventing conversion of viral RNA to DNA and blocking viral replication in CD4+ T cells.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one tablet once a day, with or without food. It is very important to take it at the same time every day and never skip doses. Descovy is not used alone — your doctor will combine it with other HIV medicines to form a complete treatment.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.
Only buy Descovy from licensed pharmacies — fake HIV drugs are dangerous and can lead to drug resistance, making your HIV harder to treat. Never share your HIV medication with anyone else, even if they have HIV too. Take this drug every single day without fail — missing doses can cause the virus to become resistant to treatment.
Do not take with other medicines containing tenofovir (like Viread or Truvada) as this doubles up the same ingredient and can damage your kidneys. Some anticonvulsant medicines like carbamazepine and traditional herbal remedies like St. John's wort can reduce how well Descovy works. Always tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement, or herbal remedy you are taking.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Emtricitabine; with your other drugs?
Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding — your doctor will decide if the benefits outweigh the risks for you and your baby.
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat — this is important in Nigeria's hot climate. Keep the tablets in their original container, away from damp areas like the bathroom, and always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate?
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