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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.

Summary for Odefsey

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.

Indications for Odefsey

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Odefsey

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

Common Side Effects for Odefsey

  • Headache (2%)
  • Sleep problems (2%)

Warnings for Odefsey

  • WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
  • LIVER PROBLEMS AND TOXICITY
  • DEPRESSION AND CHANGES IN MOOD
  • KIDNEY PROBLEMS
  • BONE PROBLEMS
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME

Summary for Truvada

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 for Truvada

Pros and Cons for Truvada

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 for Truvada

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 for Truvada

  • 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

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Odefsey30 tablets / 200mg/25mg/25mg
$3,870.23$4,929.58
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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir30 tablets / 200mg/300mg
$27.53$2,099.99
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