Real Stories. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if DESCOVY for PrEP® is right for you.

Real Stories

Real Stories

Real Stories. Talk to a healthcare provider to see if DESCOVY for PrEP® is right for you.

Every DESCOVY user has a story

Watch the videos below to hear from real DESCOVY users and learn what inspired them to ask their healthcare providers about DESCOVY for PrEP®.

DESCOVY Still Fits Their Lives

Learn how DESCOVY for PrEP fits users’ daily lifestyles, even as they change.

DESCOVY Still Fits Their Lives

Learn how DESCOVY for PrEP fits users’ daily lifestyles, even as they change.


TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Descovy®

emtricitabine 200mg/

tenofovir alafenamide 25mg tablets

By prescription only.

Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY®, including important warnings, at DescovyStories.com. Ask your healthcare provider if DESCOVY is right for you.

ANNOUNCER 1:

It’s been years since they first shared their DESCOVY stories.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

IT’S BEEN YEARS SINCE THEY FIRST SHARED THEIR DESCOVY® STORIES

Real users compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY®, including important warnings, at DescovyStories.com. Ask your healthcare provider if DESCOVY is right for you.

ANNOUNCER 1:

Now, they’re back to discuss why DESCOVY is still right for them.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

NOW, THEY’RE BACK TO DISCUSS WHY DESCOVY® IS STILL RIGHT FOR THEM

KEVIN:

My name’s Kevin. I’m based in New York City. Fun fact about me, I play the trumpet. And I’ve been taking DESCOVY for 3 years.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

KEVIN

DESCOVY® user since 2020

EVERETT:

I’m Everett from Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve been on DESCOVY since 2019.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

EVERETT

DESCOVY® user since 2019

SERGIO:

I’m Sergio, I’m from El Paso, Texas. I’m studying to be a nurse. And I started DESCOVY in 2020.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

SERGIO

DESCOVY® user since 2020

EVERETT

DESCOVY® user since 2019

LAMONT:

I’m Lamont. I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I’ve been on DESCOVY since 2020.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

LAMONT

DESCOVY® user since 2020

ANNOUNCER 1:

It’s been a while since we last spoke. Any updates to share?

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

IT’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE LAST SPOKE. ANY UPDATES TO SHARE?

KEVIN:

So, I’m still performing, playing music, and doing voiceover work from home and I’ve also been working a lot in theater again which is like my first love.

I also have a new partner.

SERGIO:

Yay!

KEVIN:

Thank you, thank you.

For years he was kind of—not really a new partner. He was kind of like one of my best friends in the city that then became more serious, more recently.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

“THE CAMERAMAN”

KEVIN:

He actually helped me film my video. He was like, the cameraman for this thing, so...

EVERETT:

How cute.

KEVIN:

Super cute.

EVERETT:

So, the biggest change in my life since I told my story is I got married.

SERGIO:

Yay!

LAMONT:

Okay!

EVERETT:

The wedding was at a contemporary art museum, which was neat.

EVERETT:

We moved in together and so—and he collected art, and I collected art. So, we put our collections together, got a lot more gallery walls going on.

SERGIO:

Aww.

EVERETT:

Yeah it’s kind of dope.

I continue in my work in public health and speak at conferences and support research for different health campaigns.

KEVIN:

Nice!

SERGIO:

How cool!

EVERETT:

Yeah.

LAMONT:

The biggest change is probably that I’ve gotten into ballroom. I won a trophy for best new face the first time I walked. And then I was hooked.

I haven’t officially joined a house yet, but I have been thinking about it.

KEVIN:

You should, yeah.

SERGIO:

Slay.

SERGIO:

I’m still working really hard to be a registered nurse. I work in the ER now, which is extremely crazy.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Descovy®

emtricitabine 200mg/

tenofovir alafenamide 25mg tablets

for (PrEP) pre-exposure prophylaxis

Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY for PrEP®, including important warnings, at DescovyStories.com.

SERGIO:

I get a lot of opportunities to see different things, which is really cool. And I’m also recently single.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

DESCOVY for PrEP® (pre-exposure prophylaxis) helps protect against getting HIV through sex. It’s not for everyone. DESCOVY for PrEP has not been studied in people assigned female at birth. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if it’s right for you.

ANNOUNCER 2:

DESCOVY for PrEP is a once-daily prescription medicine that helps protect against HIV. It’s not for everyone. DESCOVY for PrEP has not been studied in people assigned female at birth. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if DESCOVY, the smallest PrEP pill available, is right for you.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

GIVEN THESE CHANGES, HOW DOES DESCOVY® STILL FIT INTO YOUR LIFE?

ANNOUNCER 1:

Given these changes, how does DESCOVY still fit into your life?

KEVIN:

For me, my DESCOVY for PrEP® daily routine just kind of blends seamlessly with my hectic lifestyle. Being in multiple productions and gigs simultaneously—and it gets really busy with my schedule.

And no matter how chaotic my work life or personal life gets, DESCOVY is that constant that I just never waver from.

LAMONT:

Okay, that’s good.

SERGIO:

I know there’s other options in the market right now, but DESCOVY® just fits for me in my life. So why change it?

EVERETT:

Yeah. For me, DESCOVY is a useful tool to help to protect myself against HIV. And every time I go back and get tested and talk to my doctor, I’ve stayed negative.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Descovy®

emtricitabine 200mg/

tenofovir alafenamide 25mg tablets

for (PrEP) pre-exposure prophylaxis

DESCOVY® doesn’t prevent other sexually transmitted infections, so use safer sex practices.

ANNOUNCER 2:

DESCOVY doesn’t prevent other sexually transmitted infections, so use safer sex practices.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

You must test HIV-negative before and at least every 3 months while taking DESCOVY®.

ANNOUNCER 2:

You must test HIV-negative before and at least every 3 months while taking DESCOVY®.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Tell your healthcare provider if you were exposed to HIV or have flu-like symptoms. They may want to test you for HIV.

ANNOUNCER 2:

Tell your healthcare provider if you were exposed to HIV or have flu-like symptoms. They may want to test you for HIV.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Serious side effects can occur, including kidney problems and kidney failure.

ANNOUNCER 2:

Serious side effects can occur, including kidney problems and kidney failure.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Rare, life-threatening side effects include a build-up of lactic acid and liver problems. The most common side effect was diarrhea.

ANNOUNCER 2:

Rare, life-threatening side effects include a build-up of lactic acid and liver problems. The most common side effect was diarrhea.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements you take, or if you have kidney or liver problems.

ANNOUNCER 2:

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements you take, or if you have kidney or liver problems.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

If you have hepatitis B, don’t stop taking DESCOVY® without talking to your healthcare provider, as your hepatitis B may get worse.

ANNOUNCER 2:

If you have hepatitis B, don’t stop taking DESCOVY without talking to your healthcare provider, as your hepatitis B may get worse.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

IS IT IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN YOUR DESCOVY® ROUTINE REGARDLESS OF RELATIONSHIP STATUS?

ANNOUNCER 1:

Is it important to maintain your DESCOVY routine regardless of relationship status?

SERGIO:

Well, having been in a sexual relationship with someone who is HIV-positive, I think PrEP medications can be important.

Now that I’m dating, it’s important for me to continue to be consistent with my DESCOVY for PrEP® routine.

LAMONT:

I am dating a new person and we’re considering including other people. We’re both on PrEP, you know. It’s very important to us.

KEVIN:

So, Everett, tell us about your romantic situation-ship that some might refer to as a marriage.

EVERETT:

So, even though I’m married, and some people might say, hey, you’re married, and you don’t need to be on DESCOVY® anymore, I say it’s actually more important.

Because we don’t just have ourselves to consider. We also have to think about each other.

And frankly, we’re in an open marriage.

SERGIO:

So, is your partner on PrEP?

EVERETT:

He is also on PrEP, and he and I decided to stay on our routines for ourselves and for each other.

KEVIN:

I’ve been seeing someone who’s also on PrEP. Stopping our routine though has never come up because we both know how important it is to be consistent.

Regardless of relationship status.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

NOW THAT WE’RE ALL CAUGHT UP, ANY FINAL THOUGHTS TO SHARE?

ANNOUNCER 1:

Now that we’re all caught up, any final thoughts to share?

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if DESCOVY for PrEP® may be an option for you.

SERGIO:

My doctor spoke to me about taking DESCOVY every day as prescribed.

I think it’s great that people are taking the steps to get on DESCOVY, but in my opinion, I think it’s important to make sure you take your pill every day, go to your regular HIV test, and also talking to your healthcare provider.

KEVIN:

Well said.

EVERETT:

All right all right. Pizza? Pizza time?

LAMONT:

Yes.

KEVIN:

I think it’s pool time.

EVERETT:

Let’s do it.

LAMONT:

Alright, let’s go.

TEXT ON-SCREEN:

Descovy®

emtricitabine 200mg/

tenofovir alafenamide 25mg tablets

for (PrEP) pre-exposure prophylaxis

Ask your healthcare provider if DESCOVY for PrEP® is right for you.

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, at DESCOVY.com.

DESCOVY for PrEP, the DESCOVY for PrEP Logo, the DESCOVY Blue Pill Design, DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

GILEAD

©2025 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved.

US-DVYC-0214 02/25

What is DESCOVY for PrEP?

DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily prescription medicine for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV. It helps lower the chances of getting HIV through sex.

DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone. It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied. You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP.

DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone:

  • It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied.
  • You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP.

Talk to a healthcare provider to see if DESCOVY for PrEP may be an option for you.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about DESCOVY for PrEP?

Before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP:

Tap for Important Safety Information, including important warnings on the risk of drug resistance if you become HIV-positive and only take DESCOVY, and worsening of hepatitis B infection.

  • You must be HIV-negative before you start and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. You must get tested for HIV-1 immediately before and at least every 3 months while taking DESCOVY. If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. They may want to do more tests to confirm that you are still HIV-negative.
  • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or while taking DESCOVY. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.
  • DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1.Do not take DESCOVY for PrEP unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.
  • DESCOVY does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting STIs.
  • To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:
    • Do not miss any doses of DESCOVY. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1.
    • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. If your partner is living with HIV, your risk of getting HIV is lower if your partner consistently takes HIV treatment every day.
    • Get tested for other STIs. Some STIs make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider about all the ways to help reduce HIV risk.

DESCOVY can cause serious side effects:

  • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health or give you HBV medicine.

Who should not take DESCOVY for PrEP?

Do not take DESCOVY for PrEP if you:

  • Already have HIV-1 or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you have HIV-1, you need to take other medicines with DESCOVY to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only DESCOVY, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat now and in the future.

What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY for PrEP?

Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include:

  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with DESCOVY. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY.
  • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
  • Severe liver problems , which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark "tea-colored" urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

Common side effects in people taking DESCOVY for PrEP are diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY for PrEP?

  • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis.
  • All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. DESCOVY may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY for PrEP, including important warnings.