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Compare 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
    Edurant (rilpivirine)
  • Truvada
    Edurant (rilpivirine)

  • Summary of Truvada vs. Edurant

    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.

    Summary for HIV ARV
    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 of Truvada vs. Edurant

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    •Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis)
    Indications for
    •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 of Truvada vs. Edurant

    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
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    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 of Truvada vs. Edurant

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher liver function tests (up to 18%)
    •Higher cholesterol levels (up to 17%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (up to 6%)
    •Feeling depressed (5%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Trouble sleeping (3%)
    •Rash (3%)

  • Warnings of Truvada vs. Edurant

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •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

    Learn more about Truvada
    Learn more about Edurant

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