Skip to Main Content

Welcome to

Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.

Learn More
Blog

Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide (Genvoya®)

Antiretroviral

clipboard icon

What is Genvoya®?

Genvoya® is a tablet that contains 4 medicines used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The 4 medicines are called elvitegravir (Vitekta), cobicistat (Tybost), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir alafenamide. Elvitegravir is a medicine that belongs to a group called integrase inhibitors. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide belong to a group called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and cobicistat is an enhancer. Genvoya can slow down how soon you will see symptoms of HIV or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection. Genvoya tablets contain 150 mg of elvitegravir, 150 mg of cobicistat, 200 mg of emtricitabine, and 10 mg of tenofovir alafenamide.

exclamation mark in a circle icon

Possible side effects

  • Rash
  • Feeling more tired than normal
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache

    These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take Genvoya® will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

late effects icon

Possible late effects

During the first few weeks of therapy, some people taking Genvoya develop a skin rash and 2 or more of the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Severe tired feeling, achiness, or other “flu-like” symptoms
  • Sore throat, shortness of breath, or cough

If you develop a rash during the first few weeks of therapy and you have 2 or more of these symptoms, stop taking Genvoya right away and call your doctor or nurse. You should not take Genvoya again unless the doctor tells you to do so.

family icon

Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature and out of reach of children and pets.
  • Keep the lid closed tightly and away from heat and moisture.
  • Some side effects, such as low blood counts, can be found with blood tests. It is important that you come to the clinic at regularly planned times and have blood tests done.

Drug at Home:

  • This tablet is usually taken one (1) time daily.
  • Genvoya should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.