Dovato vs. Truvada: Which HIV Treatment Is Right for You?

Introduction

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. If left untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a life-threatening condition.

There are many different HIV treatment options available, and the best one for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Two of the most common HIV treatment options are Dovato and Truvada.

Dovato

Dovato is a single-tablet, once-daily HIV treatment that contains two medications: dolutegravir and lamivudine. Dolutegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), which blocks the HIV virus from integrating its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), which blocks the HIV virus from replicating.

Dovato is highly effective at suppressing HIV. In clinical trials, 90% of people who took Dovato achieved undetectable viral loads (meaning that the amount of HIV in their blood was too low to be detected) after 48 weeks of treatment.

Dovato is also well-tolerated by most people. The most common side effects are headache, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.

Truvada

Truvada is a combination HIV treatment that contains two medications: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Emtricitabine is an NRTI, and TDF is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).

Truvada is also highly effective at suppressing HIV. In clinical trials, 92% of people who took Truvada achieved undetectable viral loads after 48 weeks of treatment.

Truvada is also well-tolerated by most people. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

Which HIV Treatment Is Right for You?

The best HIV treatment for you will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your age, health status, and other medications you are taking. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing between Dovato and Truvada:

Efficacy: Both Dovato and Truvada are highly effective at suppressing HIV. However, Dovato may be a better option for people who have difficulty taking multiple pills each day.
Side effects: Dovato and Truvada have similar side effects. However, some people may experience more side effects with Truvada, especially if they have kidney problems.
Cost: Dovato and Truvada are both expensive medications. However, Dovato may be more affordable for some people because it is a single-tablet, once-daily medication.

Conclusion

Dovato and Truvada are both effective HIV treatment options. The best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Talk to your doctor to decide which treatment is right for you.

Additional Information

Dovato is not approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a way to prevent HIV infection. Truvada is approved for use as PrEP.
Dovato can cause liver damage, so it is important to have your liver function checked regularly while taking this medication.
Truvada can cause kidney damage, so it is important to have your kidney function checked regularly while taking this medication.

If you have any questions or concerns about HIV treatment, talk to your doctor.