Descovy or Truvada: which PrEP is better?

[@wanderingtreeestate]

How can gay men who live in the Midwest ask Jon gay sex-related questions privately? No offense to Brian (we LOVE BOTH of you!), but how can we ask Jon directly / privately about certain gay male sex-related issues??? ❤🧡💛💚💙

[@brianmerrill3782]

You can email us at [e-mail] - all confidential.

[@OutLoudJB]

Email me!
[e-mail]

[@davidbooth2460]

I have had HIV+ since 2011. The VA originally started me on Truvada but then switched to Discovey, possibly because I was born with only 1 kidney. I also take Isentress 400mg twice a day. T-cells 980 & viral load undetectable.

[@brianconnor1758]

Both meds are from the same manufacturer. Truvada was the original HIV medication chosen for use in PrEP because of it's relatively low toxicity (or burden to organs of the body), and low side effects, compared to other HIV meds at that time. Various other HIV meds could theoretically serve the same functional purpose for PrEP use, but might be more burdensome to the body over the long term. Descovy is the later improved formulation of Truvada. The manufacturer reported that Descovy has a 90% lower toxicity (or burden) compared to Truvada which was itself already relatively low, so Descovy is expected to be a very minimal biological burden for patients under long term use. It's pretty amazing that this small mild pill is able to provide so much excellent protection.

[@FanOFGodN11]

Where did you get that information that Descovy is 90% less toxic than Truvada? Please let me know. Thanks

[@brianconnor1758]

@@FanOFGodN11 It's documented in the published clinical trial results for Descovy which led to FDA approval to add it as an approved alternative to Truvada for PrEP.

[@vitrock1]

As a gay male health professional myself, I have studied both Descovy and Truvada extensively and have chosen to use Descovy on demand even though there is no official study to prove it effective. I have consulted with colleagues all across the country and in the UK and the majority agree that Descovy is as effective or slightly more effective than Truvada for on demand usage. It's high time they get this study completed to offer more choices to our community. Thank you for using your platform to share your medical knowledge! ❤❤

[@MMSHELLY23]

Jonathan-you are PRETTY AMAZING you know that?!?!😉

[@OutLoudJB]

Great words, Allen! I do believe there are studies ongoing for On-Demand Descovy, as well as use for those with a vagina. The more tools, the better!!!!

[@ChromaSup]

I know on demand is 2 pills 24-2 hrs before action however is there any specific time to make it the most effective? Lets say I take it 24hrs before action, then it happens and do I take it 24hrs after action? It means 48hrs between 1st and 2d dose

[@walterdorsettphotography]

@@ChromaSupno never go that long between doses, you would take the 3rd pill on the 24 hour mark from when you started the two pills via the 2-1-1 method. Timing is more important here than for those taking daily prep!!! If you have sex again during prep on demand you need to add an extra day of medication. Most of this information came from the NYC.gov website - since Descovy on demand is not yet proven I’ll do it for 7 days but that’s just me.

[@danielimpastato3466]

Excellent presentation, Jon. I could not tolerate Truvada and i gave it a nine month try. Now I know i made the right decision by switching. Listening to your body along with sound medical advice is the key. I LOVE watching you and Brian's OutLoud videos but more of these shorts from you, please. Hugs to Brian.

[@TheOnlyChrisB]

For what its worth i work at a hospital and NEITHER are covered with my insurance. I had to use a third party app which let me buy 90 day supply of truvada at either safeway or walmart for $70. If i wanted descovy it would be $680 for a 90 day supply.

[@Stephenrsm7600]

Thank you, Jon for doing this comparison for us!!! I myself was wondering the differences between these two meds. Thank you.

[@LenHealsU]

Thank you so much Jon for taking the time to inform all of us of these very important health matters! Much appreciated! Out of curiosity, have there been any studies using natural herbs and / or certain vitamin / mineral compounds which have almost no side effects (affecting the kidneys or liver, etc.,)? I know that garlic is a natural anti-viral anti-microbial food that can prevent infections (provided the infection is not already full blown). Your thoughts?

[@davidsmarrt4049]

Here in Canada it sucks cause all the nurses are my current Walkin are all Muslim and they give me dirty looks when I’m going to get my medication or blood work done ☹️

[@richardrave8789]

Have you tried HQ clinic? It’s specialized in LGBTQ+

[@joshuarock4631]

yea im a nail tech ina gay community and i had a long time customer have his jaw bone shatter from a dentist appointment and he sued the dentist but it ended up being side effect of taking truvada since well forever hes positive since the 70s unfortunate but i meet soo many on truvada with 0 side effects soo i dont know

[@hadesnovelist2371]

Hi Doc, the prep here is not completely Truvada? The prep is tenofovir + lamivudine (not emtricitabine)... So this prep here is safe in method 211? (Sorry for my English)!!!

[@donaldauguston9740]

This was a very interesting and well-done video. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. I'm older than dirt, so it won't matter to me directly, but it matters to me that my brothers will keep using condoms and being as safe as they can. Take care out there! DA

[@TwinFalls88]

A very good option. [ As an ADD-ON TO CONDOMS, NOT A SUBSTITUTION ! ]

[@user-xj9df9ck9s]

The medicine can generate some kind of resistance or take over time to be less effective ?

[@malakitimes3125]

Thank you for this talk. Does Descovy have any adverse effects on regular cell reproduction?

[@mysticjason05]

Very well done. Do you have any info on the new injectable PrEP? That could make a good video.

[@OutLoudJB]

I have a video on that coming shortly!

[@mysticjason05]

@@OutLoudJB Great!

[@marialuisalago7172]

In italiano

[@Slamnewton]

How long does it take in the effect it u protecting your penis?

[@RandyNieto-lw6fz]

Gaywods

[@irr35i5tibl3]

Ok wait...Its not for women that has a natural vagina? 🤔 Why and what's in it that differentiates gender...?