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Compare Odefsey vs. Truvada

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

Key takeaways

Odefsey (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide) and Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Odefsey is a single-tablet regimen that includes three medications, while Truvada contains only two and must be taken with another HIV medication for a complete treatment. Odefsey must be taken with a meal, whereas Truvada can be taken with or without food. Truvada is also approved for HIV prevention (PrEP), making it a versatile option for those at risk of infection. Odefsey is considered safer for your kidneys and bones compared to Truvada, which is more likely to cause bone problems. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor your health, but Odefsey has more medication interactions and specific meal requirements. Truvada is available as a lower-cost generic, while Odefsey does not have a generic form.

  • Odefsey
    Truvada
  • Odefsey
    Truvada

  • Summary of Odefsey vs. Truvada

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Odefsey is a single-tablet-regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), rilpivirine (Edurant), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir AF (Vemlidy). It's similar to Complera, but contains a newer version of tenofovir which causes less harmful effects on your kidneys and bones.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Truvada, also known as TDF/FTC, is a combination medication that contains the antiretrovirals emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada is used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis or prevention). This medication works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Truvada tablets are taken by mouth once daily. Side effects when it's used for treating HIV include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. And Truvada side effects when used for PrEP include headache and belly pain.

  • Indications of Odefsey vs. Truvada

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    •Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis)

  • Pros and Cons of Odefsey vs. Truvada

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
    •Safer for your kidneys and bones when compared to Complera
    •Can be used in pregnancy at the same dose
    •Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
    •Not too many side effects
    Cons
    •Must be taken with a light meal
    •Dose can't be adjusted
    •Can't be used if the amount of virus (viral load) is too high
    •There are many medication interactions and it can't be taken with some medications used to treat tuberculosis, seizures, and stomach acid.
    •Not a first-choice treatment option for people new to HIV medications
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP
    •99% effective for preventing HIV infection from sex when used as prescribed for PrEP
    Cons
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
    •Not a complete treatment for HIV (must take one other medication with it)
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
    •More likely to cause bone problems than similar medications

  • Common Side Effects of Odefsey vs. Truvada

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (2%)
    •Sleep problems (2%)
    Common Side Effects for

    HIV treatment Note: Side effects for HIV treatment were reported by people taking Truvada with efavirenz (Sustiva).

    •Higher cholesterol levels (22%)
    •Higher creatine kinase levels (9%)
    •Feeling tired (9%)
    •Depression (9%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Upper respiratory infections (8%)
    •Sinus infection (congestion; 8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    •Headache (6%)

    HIV PrEP (prevention)

    •Headache (7%)
    •Belly pain (4%)
    •Lower weight (3%)

  • Warnings of Odefsey vs. Truvada

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS AND TOXICITY
    •DEPRESSION AND CHANGES IN MOOD
    •KIDNEY PROBLEMS
    •BONE PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •PrEP only for people who test negative for HIV
    •Kidney problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Bone problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Odefsey vs. Truvada

    Learn more about Odefsey
    Learn more about Truvada

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