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Uses

What is Genvoya used for?

Genvoya (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Genvoya may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Genvoya work (mechanism of action)?

People with HIV have a virus that spreads in their body and damages the immune system, making it easier for them to get very sick from other infections. Genvoya works to help stop the spread of HIV in your body. This helps protect and preserve the immune system and can prevent the virus from being spread to other people.

 How is Genvoya supplied (dosage forms)?

Genvoya is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 150 mg/150 mg/200 mg/10 mg oral tablets

How should I store Genvoya?

Genvoya should be stored below 86 F (30 C). Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed in the original container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Genvoya?

The most common side effect of Genvoya is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Genvoya that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Genvoya?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Genvoya are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Immune System Changes. When you start Genvoya, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection. 

  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Vision problems
  • Confusion, problems talking, or headache
  • Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Weakness or coordination problems 

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Genvoya. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Lactic Acidosis. Genvoya may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in your blood), which can be serious. Stop taking Genvoya and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis.

  • General ill feeling
  • Muscle pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Drowsiness
  • Stomach pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Genvoya. This can cause serious liver problems that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Allergic Reactions. Genvoya may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Genvoya and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Genvoya?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Genvoya.

  • Genvoya 
  • Elvitegravir
  • Cobicistat
  • Emtricitabine
  • Tenofovir alafenamide
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Genvoya.

Drug Interactions. Genvoya should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before using Genvoya, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.  See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Genvoya before using it?

Do not take Genvoya unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Genvoya with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

While Genvoya can help keep the HIV infection under control, it does not cure it. Also, Genvoya does not help protect against or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Keep Genvoya out of the reach of children.

Taking antacids or supplements with Genvoya can make it not work as well.  Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to take antacids and supplements while taking Genvoya. 

If you have HIV and hepatitis B, stopping Genvoya can cause a serious flare-up, or worsening, of your hepatitis B. Your healthcare provider will test you for hepatitis B before or when starting this medicine. Do not run out of Genvoya or stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first. If you have HIV and hepatitis B and stop taking Genvoya, keep all appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can check the health of your liver. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Genvoya?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Genvoya is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems, including hepatitis B 
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Genvoya could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Genvoya is not recommended during pregnancy because it may not work as well to treat HIV. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Genvoya, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of HIV medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Do not take Genvoya while you are breastfeeding. Genvoya passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. There may be risks with breastfeeding while taking Genvoya and having HIV.

How can I get more information about Genvoya?

For more information about Genvoya, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.genvoya.com or call them at 800-445-3235.

Interactions

Does Genvoya interact with foods or drinks?

Take each dose of Genvoya with food.

 It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Genvoya.

Does Genvoya interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Genvoya.

  • Alfuzosin, which is a medicine that may be used for difficulty peeing due to an enlarged prostate
  • A medicine used to treat seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • An ergot, such as ergotamine (Ergomar) or dihydroergotamine (Migranal or Trudhesa), which is a medicine used to treat migraine
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • A medicine to lower cholesterol, such as lovastatin, simvastatin, or lomitapide (Juxtapid)
  • A phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, such as sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio, and others), which is a medicine used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
  • Any other medicine for HIV or AIDS
  • Any medicine for hepatitis C
  • Triazolam or midazolam, which are medicines used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  • Any aminoglycoside antibiotic, such as amikacin or gentamicin, which is given by injection to treat infections
  • Any medicine for treating a viral or fungal infection
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Any antacid or supplement containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Genvoya, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Genvoya. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Genvoya?

If you or someone else has used too much Genvoya, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Genvoya?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Missing doses of Genvoya can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.

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