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Emtriva vs. Viread

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Emtricitabine (Emtriva) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV. They belong to the same class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by preventing the virus from making copies of itself. While both medications are used for HIV treatment in combination with other HIV medications, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is also FDA-approved for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, making it more versatile. Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is available as a capsule and oral solution, while tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) comes in tablet and powder forms. Both medications are taken once daily, but emtricitabine (Emtriva) requires dose adjustments for kidney problems, whereas tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) can cause bone and kidney issues. Common side effects of emtricitabine (Emtriva) include nausea and fatigue, while tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) may cause diarrhea and headaches. Additionally, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) has more drug interactions, especially with medications for hepatitis C and HIV.

Emtricitabine

(Emtriva)

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Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

(Viread)

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Summary for Emtriva

Prescription only

Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment and prevention of HIV. It is one of the most common HIV ARVs used around the world.

Indications for Emtriva

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Emtriva

Pros

  • Very effective against HIV, with few side effects
  • Taken only once a day with or without food
  • Available in many combination tablets with other HIV ARVs
  • Available as a capsule and oral solution
  • Can be used in pregnancy and in children right after they are born

Cons

  • Dose must be adjusted if you have kidney problems
  • Must be used in combination with other HIV ARVs
  • The oral solution is absorbed less than the capsule, so the dose is higher
  • Some people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have worsening of the liver after stopping emtricitabine (Emtriva)
  • Requires regular labs to make sure the medication is working against HIV and to check your kidney and liver

Common Side Effects for Emtriva

  • Changes in labs (30%)
  • Nausea (9%)
  • Fatigue (9%)
  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Flu/cold (8%)
  • Runny nose (8%)
  • Rash (7%)

Warnings for Emtriva

  • WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
  • LIVER PROBLEMS

Summary for Viread

Prescription only

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread), also known as TDF, is a first-choice medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's also a preferred medication used for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV). Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, the active ingredient in Viread, is also found in Truvada, a combination medication commonly used for HIV PrEP. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is available as both an oral tablet and a powder that's mixed with soft food. Common side effects include rash, diarrhea, and headache.

Indications for Viread

  • Treatment of HIV infection - people ages 2 years and older
  • Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B - Brand Viread for people ages 2 years and older; generic for people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Viread

Pros

  • Can treat both HIV and HBV infections
  • Only taken once a day
  • Available in a powder form that can be mixed with soft foods for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
  • Tablet form is available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

  • Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
  • Can worsen hepatitis B if stopped all of a sudden
  • More likely to cause bone problems compared to similar medications
  • Interacts with certain medications for hepatitis C and HIV, such as atazanavir (Reyataz) and Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)

Common Side Effects for Viread

  • Higher cholesterol levels (19-22%)
  • Rash (5-18%)
  • Diarrhea (9-16%)
  • Headache (5-14%)
  • Pain (3-13%)
  • Higher creatine kinase (CK) levels, suggesting muscle damage (9-12%)
  • Feeling depressed (4-11%)
  • Nausea (8-11%)
  • Lack of energy (6-11%)

Please note: The side effects above were reported by people taking this medication for HIV infection.

Warnings for Viread

  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection
  • Kidney problems
  • Overactive immune system
  • Bone problems
  • Liver problems and lactic acidosis
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Viread

Price Card Drug Icon
Emtricitabine30 capsules / 200mg
$152.24-
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Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg of
$44.51-
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