Drug Information: Form and Strength of Genvoya, Plus Active Ingredients and Other Details
Genvoya, a combination of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide, is a widely used antiretroviral medication for the treatment of HIV-1 in adults and some children. This article provides an overview of the common and serious side effects of Genvoya, its dosage, and usage guidelines.
Common Side Effects
Genvoya can cause a range of side effects, some of which are quite common. These include infections such as upper respiratory infections, otitis media, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and general infections. Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are also frequent. Skin reactions like rash and hyperpigmentation, especially more frequent hyperpigmentation in children, are also reported. Respiratory symptoms such as increased cough and rhinitis are noted, and other common side effects include fever, anemia (noted more commonly in pediatric patients), asthenia (weakness or lack of energy), and pain. Laboratory abnormalities such as elevated liver enzymes (ALT), elevated amylase, elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK), neutropenia, decreased hemoglobin, and decreases in glucose have been observed in some children [1][2][3].
Serious Side Effects
While less common, more serious side effects include lactic acidosis and liver toxicity, particularly in patients who are female, obese, or have been on anti-HIV meds long-term. Mood or behavioral changes and serious skin reactions (severe rash, blistering) have also been reported and require immediate medical attention [3].
Dosage and Usage
The dosage of Genvoya may depend on other medical conditions a person has. It's essential to follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Genvoya in an easy-open container. Genvoya should be taken with food and at the same time each day to maintain a steady level of the drug in your body.
If you take more Genvoya than your doctor prescribes, you may develop harmful effects. Genvoya is an antiretroviral medication that reduces the amount of HIV in the body. If you have kidney disease or receive dialysis, your doctor may adjust how often you take Genvoya. Genvoya may need to be taken at different times if you also take certain medications or supplements.
Long-Term Treatment
Genvoya is meant to be a long-term treatment. The children's dosage of Genvoya is the same as the adult dosage, and it is approved for children who weigh at least 25 kilograms or about 55 pounds. However, taking products that contain calcium, magnesium, iron, or other minerals too close to Genvoya can make Genvoya less effective.
Missed Doses and Important Information
Missing doses of Genvoya can increase the risk of drug resistance and make HIV more difficult to treat. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. It's important to note that the Genvoya prescribing information doesn't state what to do in case of a missed dose.
Conclusion
Genvoya is a brand-name drug used to treat HIV in adults and some children. It's not available in a generic version. Always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor when taking Genvoya. If you experience any serious side effects or have concerns about your treatment, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
[1] Grinsztejn B, et al. Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in pediatric HIV infection. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 2019;81(Suppl 1):S1-S35. [2] Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in HIV-1-infected adults and adolescents. Department of Health and Human Services. 2020. [3] Genvoya (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) tablets [prescribing information]. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 2020.
- Science has shown that long-term use of Genvoya, a medication for HIV treatment, can lead to potential side effects such as lactic acidosis, liver toxicity, and serious skin reactions, especially in females, obese individuals, and those who have been on antiretroviral therapy for a prolonged period.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it is crucial for people taking Genvoya, particularly children, to be aware of common side effects like gastrointestinal issues, skin reactions, respiratory symptoms, and laboratory abnormalities, and immediately seek medical advice if they encounter severe side effects or have concerns about their treatment.
