What is Genvoya?
Genvoya contains cobicistat with elvitegravir and emtricitabine. Cobicistat inhibits enzymes that are responsible for breaking down antiviral drugs in the liver. Cobicistat can reduce liver enzyme activity that breaks down certain antiviral medicines. Elvitegravir is an antiviral medicine that stops the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from reproducing in your body. HIV can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Genvoya can be used to treat HIV in adults and children over 12 years of age and weighing at least 25 kilograms (55 pounds). Genvoya does not cure HIV or AIDS.
Warnings
Genvoya can harm your liver. If you experience upper stomach pains, loss of appetite, dark urine or clay-colored stools, or yellowing skin or eyes, call your doctor immediately. Be sure to inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking as well as any new additions. Some drugs are not to be taken together, and others can cause drug interactions. Genvoya should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. Refill your prescription before you run out. Genvoya can cause hepatitis B to become active or worsen if you have ever had it. You may require frequent liver function testing for several months. Genvoya can interact with many drugs. Some should not be taken at the same dose.Inform your physician of any medications you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
Genvoya should not be taken with certain drugs. You may need to change your treatment plan if you use:
- Alfuzosin;
- Cisapride;
- Oral midazolam, or triazolam;
- Rifampin;
- Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- John's wort;
- Antipsychotic medicine: lurasidone, pimozide;
- Cholesterol medication: lomitapide, lovastatin, and simvastatin;
- Ergot medicine: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, or
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.
Genvoya is a combination drug and should not be taken with any other antiviral medication, including those that contain adefovir or cobicistat.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Genvoya will be safe for you:
- Hepatitis B and other liver diseases
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Lactic acidosis is a potentially dangerous accumulation of lactic acids in your blood. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect pregnancy, notify your physician as soon as possible. Ask your doctor about another antiviral medication to take during pregnancy if you are planning to become pregnant. Use all medications to control your infection while pregnant in order to prevent HIV from affecting a newborn. You may have your name listed on a registry of antiviral pregnant women. Ask your doctor if you don't plan to become pregnant if you want to avoid pregnancy. Genvoya may increase the side effects of hormonal birth control pills, injections, and implants. Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV. Breast milk can transmit the virus to your child.
Similar/related drugs
Triumeq, Stribild, Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, and Atripla
How to take Genvoya?
Genvoya should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. This medication is typically taken once per day. Please read the instructions on your prescription and any medication guides. Medical tests will be required frequently. All HIV medications should be taken as prescribed. You should not stop taking medication or change the dose without consulting your doctor. By skipping doses, you could cause your virus to become resistant to the medication. Continue to be under the doctor's care. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut. You may need liver function tests while using Genvoya and for several months after stopping. While using Genvoya and for several months afterwards, you may need to have liver function tests.
Details on dosage
Genvoya Adult Dosage:
Take 1 tablet with food orally, once per day.
Comments:
Before starting this medication, patients should be tested to see if they have HBV.
In all patients, estimated CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein should be assessed before starting cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF).
Use: As a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients with no antiretroviral treatment history or to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in patients virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least 6 months with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to the individual components of this drug.
Genvoya dosage for HIV infection in children:
At least 12 years old and a minimum of 35 kg:
Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Alafenamide: 1 tablet orally once a day with food
Comments:
Before starting this medication, patients should be tested to see if they have HBV.
In all patients, estimated CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein should be assessed before starting cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine/tenofovir DF.
Use: As a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients with no antiretroviral treatment history or to replace the current antiretroviral regimen in patients virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen for at least 6 months with no history of treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to the individual components of this drug.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid taking an antacid 2 hours before or after you take Genvoya. Some antacids may make it more difficult for your body to absorb cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Genvoya does not stop the spread of your illness. Share razors and toothbrushes. Consult your doctor about how to avoid HIV transmission while sexing. It is not safe to share syringes or needles for drugs or medicines.
Side Effects of Genvoya
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, please seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- There can be several symptoms associated with kidney problems: swelling, increased urine output and fatigue or shortness of breath.
- Lactic acidosis: unusual muscle pains, difficulty breathing, stomach discomfort, nausea, an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling cold, or being very tired.
- Liver disease: nausea; upper stomach pains; loss of appetite; dark urine; clay-colored stools; jaundice.
Even weeks or even months after using Genvoya, antiviral medicines can affect your immune function. Inform your doctor if:
- Signs that a new infection is present: fever, sweats at night, swollen lymph glands, colds, sores, coughing and wheezing, diarrhea, and loss of weight
- Problems with balance, eye movements, or speech, or even a prickly sensation;
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Genvoya may cause side effects such as:
- Nausea;
There may be other side effects.Need medical advice about side effects? For help from your physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain medications at the same time.Some medications may alter the blood levels of medications you're already taking, increasing side effects and diminishing effectiveness. Cobicistat (elvitegravir), emtricitabine and tenofovir may interact, so it's wise to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are currently taking. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.
