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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Descovy Or Truvada?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Costa Mesa, CA

Reading up on side effects of Descovy and really considering asking my Dr. to go back to Truvada. Weight gain, higher cholesterol, and cardiovascular problems are all a side effect along with kidney damage . I think I'd prefer the kidney damage I was getting with Truvada...than the 30# I've gained since on Desovy and my cholesterol numbers are really elevated. My kidney numbers have improved. Seems to me your just trading which part of your body you'd rather damage. Am I missing something… read more

November 10, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal experiences comparing Descovy and Truvada, with many describing significant weight gain (ranging from 12 to 30... Read more

Members shared deeply personal experiences comparing Descovy and Truvada, with many describing significant weight gain (ranging from 12 to 30 pounds) after switching to Descovy, along with elevated cholesterol and concerns about trading kidney protection for metabolic side effects. Several members offered practical alternatives and strategies, including discussing Biktarvy or Juluca with doctors, exploring Egrifta for medication-related fat accumulation, using intermittent fasting, and recognizing that co-infection with Hepatitis B limits some treatment options to only Descovy or Truvada. A recurring theme was that HIV medications affect everyone differently, making it essential to work closely with doctors to find the regimen that balances effectiveness with manageable side effects for each individual body.

A myHIVteam Member

Just started on Descovy & Tivicay a few months ago.
I’ve gained some weight over the last couple of months but I think it’s due to the chocolate and ice cream that I’ve been 🐷 out on lately... Not sure this helps but it is kinda funny to me for some strangely odd reason. 😋

November 10, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

Hello bro's and sis's; if you experience a fat build up around the waist and other areas you can ask your doctor for " EGRIFTA " to get rid of the extra fat layers due to the anti-virals treatment or ART. Hugs. Tony

November 24, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I was on Truvada and got fat, Got on Genvoya and got a lot bigger. It was impossible fat. It wouldn't go anywhere. I would exercise, walk ,starve and it wouldn't budge. My cholesterol was like 290. I had went from 155 to 190 and I'm only 5'5. I started intermittent fasting to get rid of the fat and I started Biktarvy last year and my cholesterol is down.

November 15, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

Good morning John; ask your doctor about any new meds. If the side effects are damaging to your kidneys, there steps you can help minimize the damage. Watching what you eat and drink can help a lot. Remember the kidneys are the filters of the blood in the human body. There's an application on your smart phone that provides answers for the kidneys functioning, repair and cleansing. I got to this site by luck. I don't think most nephrologists know about it. If you want I can provide you with some answers about the kidneys. I was on dialysis for a year and after following a healthy diet, excercising every day and taking some natural herbs and supements I had my port removed and feel great. Hugs. Tony.

November 14, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I was taken off triumeq because of side affects of heart attack and the logic is take drugs have side affects or not take drugs and die prematurely hugs

November 12, 2019

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