Anyone switch from Truvada to Descovy?

[PG1961Canada]

I've participated in a PrEP clinic for a number years now.  Clinic is every 3 months. 

Started out with Truvada (TDF), then switched to the 'generic'.  No real issues.

Last appointment, my Doctor suggested that I switch over to Descovy (TAF), as it is now approved in Canada.  

He said he isn't concerned a lot about my kidney 'numbers'... I am fine.  But he said he feels with my age + years on PrEp ... the toxicity of the Descovy is gentler on kidneys and also gentler on bone density effects.

Of course - everyone reacts differently to any kind of meds... we're all different after all.  But, I am a little curious though.......

Anyone else do the switch? Notice any difference? New or different side effects?  See any changes in your Creatinine or eGFR measurement results?

Cheers guys.

 

[subhole]

Truvada is a higher risk for kidneys, when your older than 40. My GFR started at 86, got higher and fell to 53 after a year. So I had to stop for 6 weeks, now it‘s up to 83 again. 

Descovy is not accepted in Germany right now, but I would definitely switch my PreP to it as soon as possible. 

[Guest]

I was on truvada for 3 months. My eGFR started at 74 and dropped to 60. Stopped for 3 months and eGFR went back up in the high 70’s 

started Descovy and after 3 months eGFR actually went up to 81. The increase doesn’t   make sense but I’m sticking with Descovy 

[drscorpio]

I had my last PrEP checkup right before the FDA approved Descovy for PrEP. The doctor and I had a talk about it. He wasn't willing to make the switch until it was approved since I haven't been having any trouble, but I expect he will suggest it when I see him next. 

[fillmyholeftl]

The general opinion I believe is to make the switch ASAP. Insurance and co pay assistance should remain the same. There is no logical reason to stay on Truvada now that Descovy is available.  As far as my own treatment, as soon as the newer HIV meds were available with the reformulation (2-3 years ago?) I made a change from Complera to Odefsy.  I've recently switched to Biktarvy.  I haven't waited for any noticeable side effects or resistance issues.  I (& my health care professionals) feel it's better to be proactive and remain compliant. 

[rawwhitebottom]

As a specialist in the field please men 

do not be fooled 

stay on Truvada 

it’s all a fucking money move by Gilead

Truvada is superior over Descovy when it comes to PrEP 

trust me I’ve seen the data 

do not fall into their marketing bullshit 

On 11/2/2019 at 6:16 AM, Sleazepigbb said:

Would love seeing you all twisted and wired

 

[PG1961Canada]

10 hours ago, PG1961Canada said:

I've participated in a PrEP clinic for a number years now.  Clinic is every 3 months. 

Started out with Truvada (TDF), then switched to the 'generic'.  No real issues.

Last appointment, my Doctor suggested that I switch over to Descovy (TAF), as it is now approved in Canada.  

He said he isn't concerned a lot about my kidney 'numbers'... I am fine.  But he said he feels with my age + years on PrEp ... the toxicity of the Descovy is gentler on kidneys and also gentler on bone density effects.

Of course - everyone reacts differently to any kind of meds... we're all different after all.  But, I am a little curious though.......

Anyone else do the switch? Notice any difference? New or different side effects?  See any changes in your Creatinine or eGFR measurement results?

Cheers guys.

 

I should mention... after my current prescription runs out... Doc said he thinks it's a good move for my age and length of time on Truvada ... and I agree it is a good move.  It is great to see progress continue to be made.  I already talked to my insurance and they will cover it the same.   So to me - this is a win-win.  I'm enjoying the answers I am seeing so far.  Thanks guys.

[whoai]

My doctor switched me from Truvada to Descovy. I have been on prep for less than a year and my kidney numbers have been fine. I am also wondering whether, with the impending generic version of Truvada, this is a mo et making nice by Gilead? as a middle-aged (46) guy, I would prefer less impact on my kidneys, but I don’t want to take something for harm reduction that doesn’t work... I hope more data comes in soon. 

[Guest rookie-69]

On 11/29/2019 at 9:24 AM, whoai said:

My doctor switched me from Truvada to Descovy. I have been on prep for less than a year and my kidney numbers have been fine. I am also wondering whether, with the impending generic version of Truvada, this is a mo et making nice by Gilead? as a middle-aged (46) guy, I would prefer less impact on my kidneys, but I don’t want to take something for harm reduction that doesn’t work... I hope more data comes in soon. 

A few weeks ago The New York Times webcast The Daily has an episode about HIV, Prep, Truvada,  Descovy.  They basically said the govt cut a deal with Gilead to provide free Prep for the next couple years.  The Prep is Descovy.  Once Truvada goes generic in the next couple years the free govt Prep will run out,  At that point the drug company is hoping that the people who used free govt Prep will want Descovy over generic Truvada, so they can still make huge profits.  

[wood]

On 11/28/2019 at 11:27 PM, rawwhitebottom said:

As a specialist in the field please men 

do not be fooled 

stay on Truvada 

it’s all a fucking money move by Gilead

Truvada is superior over Descovy when it comes to PrEP 

trust me I’ve seen the data 

do not fall into their marketing bullshit 

 

My main concern is the efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide in the new version... the elimination half life is incredibly short compared at just around a half an hour, where TDF has a half life of 17 hours.   Basic logic seems to say that if it’s eliminated that much quicker you have much less room for error in when you take the medication. 

[BackroomHole]

On 12/8/2019 at 5:42 AM, rookie-69 said:

A few weeks ago The New York Times webcast The Daily has an episode about HIV, Prep, Truvada,  Descovy.  They basically said the govt cut a deal with Gilead to provide free Prep for the next couple years.  The Prep is Descovy.  Once Truvada goes generic in the next couple years the free govt Prep will run out,  At that point the drug company is hoping that the people who used free govt Prep will want Descovy over generic Truvada, so they can still make huge profits.  

How can anyone trust the new York times? 

If the main stream media is 99% propaganda and lies you shouldn't trust your life on anything they say or post.

[Guest]

I was in the clinical trial for the past 2.5 years.  I was told at my last check up that I was one of the guys actually on Descovy the whole time.  I never had any side effects at all on Descovy, but truth is I never had any side effects on Truvada either.  I feel really good that I was a great test subject and seriously put it to the test!  As soon as the study started (didn't know which of the two drugs I was on till last month) I surprised myself turning from vers to a total bottom slut for the first 6 months.  I was getting bred at our sex club, bathhouse and a monthly hotel party besides bbrt hookups and plenty of "ask me" profiles.  I'm glad I reverted back to being vers after that first 6 month "rush", but I continued being a slut and never asking any status, so I'm certain I took plenty of poz samples to test it with over the past 2.5 years!!!!

I also think this could easily be financially motivated by Gilead, and I thought that going into it.  Ironically JUST as Truvada is going generic here comes something "better".  Dr said generic truvada still won't be cheap until there's another manufacturer for prep, so it won't be a big drop in pirce anytime soon.  And Descovy will be the "primary" prep drug for now.  

I'm still officially in the trial, but everyone is on descovy now, and they just keep studying kidney and blood tests for a while now that all 5000 guys are on descovy.  Not ALL 5000 since some dropped out or weren't taking it regularly and converted, but everyone else is now on descovy.  I'd jump at the chance to do another trial when one comes out.  It was a major rush not really knowing if I was protected and seeing how I behaved.  I kind of wish I had been aware of the original Prep trials for Truvada.  Placebo was a sugar pill I'm sure.  That would have been WAAAAAY more ballsy to be a part of :) 

[Pozlover1]

12 minutes ago, justsexnowatl said:

I was in the clinical trial for the past 2.5 years.  I was told at my last check up that I was one of the guys actually on Descovy the whole time.  I never had any side effects at all on Descovy, but truth is I never had any side effects on Truvada either.  I feel really good that I was a great test subject and seriously put it to the test!  As soon as the study started (didn't know which of the two drugs I was on till last month) I surprised myself turning from vers to a total bottom slut for the first 6 months.  I was getting bred at our sex club, bathhouse and a monthly hotel party besides bbrt hookups and plenty of "ask me" profiles.  I'm glad I reverted back to being vers after that first 6 month "rush", but I continued being a slut and never asking any status, so I'm certain I took plenty of poz samples to test it with over the past 2.5 years!!!!

I also think this could easily be financially motivated by Gilead, and I thought that going into it.  Ironically JUST as Truvada is going generic here comes something "better".  Dr said generic truvada still won't be cheap until there's another manufacturer for prep, so it won't be a big drop in pirce anytime soon.  And Descovy will be the "primary" prep drug for now.  

I'm still officially in the trial, but everyone is on descovy now, and they just keep studying kidney and blood tests for a while now that all 5000 guys are on descovy.  Not ALL 5000 since some dropped out or weren't taking it regularly and converted, but everyone else is now on descovy.  I'd jump at the chance to do another trial when one comes out.  It was a major rush not really knowing if I was protected and seeing how I behaved.  I kind of wish I had been aware of the original Prep trials for Truvada.  Placebo was a sugar pill I'm sure.  That would have been WAAAAAY more ballsy to be a part of 🙂 

Surely they didn’t dig up the old “Double Blind” test that killed so many of us before they could count the VL

[Guest]

18 minutes ago, Pozlover1 said:

Surely they didn’t dig up the old “Double Blind” test that killed so many of us before they could count the VL

The trial for Descovy was a double blind trial, but the placebo was truvada.  I didn't know which one I was on till last month and neither did my doctor.  I answered questions on an ipad about my sex practices.  They really only cared how many times you topped raw and how many times you bottomed raw and approx how many insividual sex partners since the last visit.  It twas kind of hot answering those questions and realizing I had no idea how many even though it was only 3 months.  I like sex clubs and hotel parties a lot so I lose count fast if I even try to keep track.

I am assuming the original Truvada trial would have been really high risk since there was no effective placebo then.   I had to go through a  screening before getting in the study.  I had to have enough sex and be high risk enough to be a good test subject.  I'm sure for the original truvada it was similar.  They probably wanted guys who were already barebacking anyway, but at least the drug gave them somewhat of a chance to stay neg.  I would like to hear from someone on that original trial for Truvada how it worked.  I seemed to remember there were WAY more conversions which makes sense.  They probably promoted condom use musch more heavily than with the Descovy study.  Although they said at every visit you shouldn't rely on the drug as your only hiv prevention menthod, the doctor told me upfront you had to be high risk (barebacking) to get past the screening.  At each visit they gave me 4-5 condoms in my packet, which was supposed to be enough for 3 months I guess lol.  Well of course there were 4-5 more than I needed anyway.

[tallslenderguy]

On 11/28/2019 at 9:27 PM, rawwhitebottom said:

As a specialist in the field please men 

do not be fooled 

stay on Truvada 

it’s all a fucking money move by Gilead

Truvada is superior over Descovy when it comes to PrEP 

trust me I’ve seen the data 

do not fall into their marketing bullshit 

 

Interesting.  Could you cite the data supporting your claims please?