Key takeaways
Emtriva (emtricitabine) and Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat viral infections, but they have different primary uses. While both medications are used for HIV treatment in combination with other HIV medications, while Vemlidy is primarily for hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment. Both medications belong to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class, which helps stop viruses from making copies of themselves. Emtriva is available as a capsule and oral solution, and it is taken once daily, with or without food. Vemlidy is taken as a tablet once daily with food. Emtriva is available in generic form, while Vemlidy is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Emtriva include nausea, fatigue, and dizziness, whereas Vemlidy may cause headache, stomach pain, and cough. Emtriva requires dose adjustments for kidney problems, while Vemlidy is less harmful to kidneys and bones compared to other similar medications. If you have both HIV and HBV, you should not take Vemlidy alone, as it is not effective for treating HIV by itself.
