References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Stribild was one of the first complete single-tablet HIV regimens, combining four drugs in a single daily pill: elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil (TDF). Approved in 2012, it was a breakthrough in simplifying HIV treatment. However, newer single-tablet regimens (Genvoya, Biktarvy) have largely replaced Stribild due to better safety profiles.
What’s in Stribild?
- Elvitegravir 150mg — integrase inhibitor
- Cobicistat 150mg — pharmacokinetic booster
- Emtricitabine 200mg — NRTI
- Tenofovir disoproxil 245mg — NRTI
How to Take Stribild
- One tablet once daily with food
- Food is essential for proper absorption
- Take at the same time each day
Side Effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea
- Headache, fatigue
- Bone density reduction (from TDF)
- Kidney function changes (from TDF)
- Small rise in serum creatinine (from cobicistat, not actual kidney damage)
The tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) component is responsible for most of Stribild’s long-term safety concerns. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a newer formulation, has significantly less impact on bones and kidneys — which is why Genvoya (the TAF-based version) has largely replaced Stribild.
Stribild vs Genvoya
| Feature | Stribild | Genvoya |
|---|---|---|
| Integrase inhibitor | Elvitegravir/cobicistat | Elvitegravir/cobicistat |
| Tenofovir form | TDF (older) | TAF (newer) |
| Bone impact | More | Less |
| Kidney impact | More | Less |
| Current preference | Older option | Preferred |
Read more: Cobicistat | TAF | What is HIV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I switch from Stribild?
If you’re on Stribild and doing well, your HIV specialist may suggest switching to Genvoya or another modern regimen for better long-term safety, particularly if you have bone or kidney concerns. Discuss with your doctor.
Is Stribild still prescribed in 2026?
Rarely as new initiation. Most patients have switched to Genvoya, Biktarvy, or other newer regimens. Stribild remains an option in specific circumstances.
Related reading
- Choosing the Right PrEP Drug: Truvada vs Descovy
- Dovato for HIV: A Two-Drug Regimen
- Triumeq for HIV: A Straightforward Guide
- Efavirenz for HIV: An Older NNRTI Still in Use
- Eviplera: How This Anti-HIV Drug Works
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
