Compare Retrovir vs. Descovy

Zidovudine (Retrovir) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Zidovudine is a single medication that belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class and is often used in combination with other HIV drugs. It is also used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Descovy, on the other hand, is a combination of two NRTIs and is used both for treating HIV and as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. Zidovudine needs to be taken multiple times a day, while Descovy is taken once daily. Zidovudine can cause serious side effects like blood, muscle, and liver problems, whereas Descovy is generally safer for the kidneys and bones but can still cause issues like lactic acidosis and liver problems. Additionally, Descovy is not effective for preventing HIV through receptive vaginal sex, unlike zidovudine, which is used to protect babies from HIV during childbirth.