Stribild (Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) for HIV

Overview
Stribild is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a complete treatment regimen for HIV-1 infection in adults. Stribild is a combination drug composed of Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, which are also known respectively by the abbreviations EVG, COBI, FTC, and TAF.

Stribild may also be referred to by the abbreviation QUAD. Elvitegravir is an antiviral medication of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) class. Cobicistat is a pharmacokinetic enhancer. Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are both antiretroviral medications of the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class. Cobicistat is believed to work by preventing the body from breaking down some antiretroviral drugs, increasing their effectiveness. The other three drugs are believed to work by preventing HIV from replicating in cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Stribild is taken once daily. Stribild comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Stribild lists common side effects including nausea, diarrhea, and changes in the shape or location of body fat. Rare but serious side effects listed for Stribild include lactic acidosis (a metabolic disorder), hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) with steatosis (fatty degeneration), severe exacerbation of Hepatitis B, kidney problems, and a decrease in bone mineral density.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Stribild highlights of prescribing information – Gilead

Overview of HIV Treatments – AIDS.gov