Do PrEP and PEP Brands Differ? Acriptega, Kocitaf and Generics
PrEP and PEP medicines come under many brand names. What matters is the active ingredients on the box, not the brand. Here is how to tell which medicine is for what.
Key points
- Oral PrEP uses two drugs: TDF with emtricitabine or lamivudine. F/TAF can be used in some groups.
- Acriptega (DTG/3TC/TDF) and Kocitaf (DTG/FTC/TAF) are three-drug combinations for PEP or HIV treatment, not for PrEP.
- Generics registered with the Thai FDA or WHO-prequalified work as well as the originals. Do not buy medicine from sources without a doctor's care.
Many patients send me a photo of a medicine box and ask, "Can I use this as PrEP?" or "Which brand is better, this one or that one?" There is a lot of confusing information online, and some sales posts even list the wrong ingredients. This article shows you how to read the active ingredients on the box, so you understand what each medicine is for.
First principle: look at the active ingredients, not the brand name
In Thailand, HIV antiretroviral medicines include originator products and generics from many companies, both made locally and imported. The brand names differ, but if the active ingredients and strengths are the same, and the product is registered with the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) or has WHO Prequalification for quality, it is considered equally effective.
Medicines used as PrEP
| Active ingredients | Can it be used as PrEP? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg + emtricitabine 200 mg (TDF/FTC) | Yes, all genders | Can be used daily or 2-1-1. Many brands |
| Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg + lamivudine 300 mg (TDF/3TC) | Yes | The WHO accepts it as an equivalent alternative to TDF/FTC |
| Emtricitabine 200 mg + tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg (F/TAF) | Yes, in some groups | Men who have sex with men and transgender women. Not yet recommended for vaginal sex, and not used for 2-1-1 |
Read how to use PrEP in PrEP: HIV prevention before exposure and On-demand PrEP (2-1-1).
Three-drug combinations for PEP or treatment
| Example brand | Active ingredients | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Acriptega | Dolutegravir 50 mg + lamivudine 300 mg + TDF 300 mg (known as TLD) | PEP and HIV treatment |
| Kocitaf | Dolutegravir 50 mg + emtricitabine 200 mg + TAF 25 mg | PEP and HIV treatment |
| Efavirenz-based regimens (TDF/3TC/EFV, or TLE) | Efavirenz 600 mg + TDF + 3TC | Older regimen, no longer recommended for PEP |
Details on using PEP are in PEP: emergency HIV medicine after exposure.
2 drugs = PrEP
- TDF/FTC: all genders, daily or 2-1-1
- TDF/3TC: equivalent alternative
- F/TAF: MSM and transgender women; not for 2-1-1
3 drugs = PEP / treatment
- TLD (e.g. Acriptega)
- DTG/FTC/TAF (e.g. Kocitaf)
- Not used as PrEP
Older regimens
- Efavirenz-containing (TLE)
- No longer a recommended PEP regimen
Look at the active ingredients, not the brand. Registered products with the same ingredients are considered equivalent.
What is the difference between TDF and TAF?
Both are forms of tenofovir, but in different chemical forms:
- TDF (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) has been used for a long time, is affordable, and has the most prevention data across all genders. It has small effects on the kidneys and bone density, which are mostly reversible.
- TAF (tenofovir alafenamide) gives lower drug levels in the blood, so it affects the kidneys and bones less. It suits people with reduced kidney function or thin bones, but it may cause a small increase in weight and blood lipids.
For most people with normal kidneys, TDF is safe and very effective. There is no need to switch to TAF just because "newer is better". The choice should be based on each person's blood results and health.
TDF
- Long used and affordable
- Most prevention data across all genders
- Small effect on kidneys and bones, mostly reversible
TAF
- Lower drug level in the blood
- Less effect on kidneys and bones
- May cause slight weight and lipid increase
For most people with normal kidneys, TDF is safe and works very well. The choice depends on blood tests and health.
What to know about dolutegravir
- It binds to minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, and to antacids, so they must be taken apart. See more in Calcium, zinc and vitamin D.
- It raises levels of the diabetes medicine metformin. If you take metformin, tell your doctor.
- It may cause trouble sleeping or headaches at first.
- The WHO recommends it for people who could become pregnant and for pregnant women, after long-term data found no significant increase in the risk of birth defects.
Beware of fake medicine and medicine without medical care
- Buy medicine from a healthcare facility or a pharmacy with a pharmacist, and check the registration number on the box.
- Be careful of medicine sold on social media at unusually low prices, without proper labelling (in Thailand, a Thai-language label), or sold as loose tablets.
- PrEP and PEP require an HIV test before starting, plus follow-up tests. Taking PrEP when you are already infected without knowing it can cause drug resistance.
Compare how the two are used in PrEP vs PEP.
How the clinic can help
At Dr. Kris Clinic, I choose the medicine that suits your blood results, health conditions and other medicines, using properly registered, quality-assured products. I explain how to take it, any drug interactions, and arrange follow-up tests, both at the clinic and through telemedicine. English-speaking consultations are available. See the steps in Online PrEP/PEP through telemedicine. If you are living with HIV and want to know about treatment, read HIV treatment.
Medicines and services your doctor may consider
- PrEP Teno-EM (30 tabs)฿1,290Details & order →
- PrEP TAF-EM (30 tabs)฿1,290Details & order →
- PrEP Ricovir-EM (30 tabs)฿1,590Details & order →
Prices are per pack. Every medicine is prescribed only after a doctor's assessment; your doctor will advise whether it suits you. See all medicines & services
Want help with this? Three simple steps
Reading is a good start. When you are ready, check where you are, see how a consultation works, then book a time that suits you.
1Free 2-minute self-checkSexual-health self-check — see your result instantly and send it to the doctor if you like.Start the self-check →
2See the steps and feesIndividual from 990 THB · couple 1,590 THB · 30–60 minutes, at the clinic or online via MCS Telemedicine.How a consultation works →
3Book with the doctorPick a time online or message us on LINE. Come on your own or with your partner. Payment confirms the booking.Book online →Self-checks are a guide only and do not replace a doctor's assessment. Outcomes vary from person to person, depending on the severity of symptoms, the complexity of the problem and other factors.
HIV risk, or want to start PrEP?
Consult in clinic or online. After a recent exposure, PEP works best the sooner it starts — within 72 hours.
Every medicine and service requires a doctor's assessment first.
Frequently asked questions
Can Acriptega be used as PrEP?
It should not be. Acriptega is a three-drug combination containing dolutegravir, used for PEP or HIV treatment. PrEP uses two drugs: tenofovir with emtricitabine or lamivudine.
Do generic PrEP medicines work as well as the original?
If the active ingredients and strengths are the same and the product is registered or quality-certified, it is considered equally effective.
Is TAF better than TDF?
TAF affects the kidneys and bones less, but TDF has more prevention data across all genders and is safe for people with normal kidneys. Your doctor will choose based on your blood results and health.
I have PEP left over from last time. Can I keep it for next time?
This is not recommended. PEP must be taken for the full 28 days with an assessment and blood tests every time. If you need PEP often, talk to your doctor about PrEP instead.
อ่านบทความนี้เป็นภาษาไทย
ยา PrEP/PEP ยี่ห้อต่าง ๆ ต่างกันไหม (Acriptega, Kocitaf และยาสามัญ) →
References
- World Health Organization. Consolidated guidelines on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, service delivery and monitoring: recommendations for a public health approach. 2021.
- World Health Organization. Prequalification of Medical Products: dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 50/300/300 mg tablets (HA688, Mylan).
- Mayer KH, et al. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide vs emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (DISCOVER). Lancet 2020;396(10246):239-254.
- Tanner MR, et al. Antiretroviral Postexposure Prophylaxis After Sexual, Injection Drug Use, or Other Nonoccupational Exposure to HIV — CDC Recommendations, United States, 2025. MMWR Recomm Rep 2025;74(1).
This article is for education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor. If you have symptoms or concerns, please see a doctor.
