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Truvada vs. Edurant

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

Key takeaways

Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Edurant (rilpivirine) are both medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Truvada is a combination of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and is also used for HIV prevention (PrEP). It is taken once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. Edurant, on the other hand, is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and is only used for treating HIV, not for prevention. It must be taken with a meal and is only available as a brand-name medication. Additionally, Edurant is sometimes used short-term before starting Cabenuva injections. Side effects of both medications include depression, headache, and trouble sleeping. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor for side effects and effectiveness, but Truvada has a higher risk of causing bone and kidney problems compared to Edurant.

Truvada

 

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Edurant

(rilpivirine)

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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

Summary for Edurant

Prescription only

Edurant (rilpivirine) is a once-daily antiretroviral medication that's taken by mouth and is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It's approved for use in adults and children. Edurant (rilpivirine) is taken with other antiretroviral medications when it's used for certain people who've never had HIV treatment before. Edurant (rilpivirine) can also be used for a short period of time before starting Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine). Side effects of Edurant (rilpivirine) can include depression, headache, and trouble sleeping.

Indications for Edurant

  • Treatment of HIV-1 infection in people 2 years and older, weighing at least 30 pounds, with an HIV viral load of less than 100,000 copies/mL and who haven't taken HIV medications before
  • Short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in certain people ages 12 years and older, weighing at least 77 pounds, who are planning to start or planning to miss a dose of Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine)

Pros and Cons for Edurant

Pros

  • Taken by mouth once a day, so it's convenient for people with a busy schedule
  • Can use in people with mild-to-moderate kidney and liver problems
  • Safe to use during pregnancy

Cons

  • Can cause some allergic skin reactions
  • Must take with a meal
  • Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Edurant

Warnings for Edurant

  • Severe skin reactions and allergic reactions
  • Liver problems
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Overactive immune system
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Truvada vs. Edurant

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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir30 tablets / 200mg/300mg
$27.53$2,099.99
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Rilpivirine30 tablets / 25mg of
$408.82-
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