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Compare Truvada vs. Emtriva

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

Key takeaways

Emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) and emtricitabine (Emtriva) are both medications used to treat HIV when taken in combination with other HIV medications. They belong to the same drug class, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and work by stopping the virus from making copies of itself. Truvada is a combination medication that includes both emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, while Emtriva contains only emtricitabine. Truvada is FDA-approved for both the treatment and prevention of HIV (PrEP), whereas Emtriva is only approved for treatment. Truvada is taken as a single tablet once daily, while Emtriva is available as a capsule or oral solution, with dosing based on age and weight for children. Truvada is available as a lower-cost generic, while Emtriva is not. Common side effects of Truvada include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, while Emtriva may cause nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. Both medications require regular lab tests to monitor kidney and liver health, but Truvada has a higher risk of causing bone problems. Additionally, Truvada can interact with certain hepatitis C medications, increasing the risk of side effects.

  • Truvada
    Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
  • Truvada
    Emtricitabine (Emtriva)

  • Summary of Truvada vs. Emtriva

    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

    Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment and prevention of HIV. It is one of the most common HIV ARVs used around the world.

  • Indications of Truvada vs. Emtriva

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

  • Pros and Cons of Truvada vs. Emtriva

    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
    •Very effective against HIV, with few side effects
    •Taken only once a day with or without food
    •Available in many combination tablets with other HIV ARVs
    •Available as a capsule and oral solution
    •Can be used in pregnancy and in children right after they are born
    Cons
    •Dose must be adjusted if you have kidney problems
    •Must be used in combination with other HIV ARVs
    •The oral solution is absorbed less than the capsule, so the dose is higher
    •Some people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have worsening of the liver after stopping emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    •Requires regular labs to make sure the medication is working against HIV and to check your kidney and liver

  • Common Side Effects of Truvada vs. Emtriva

    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
    •Changes in labs (30%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Fatigue (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Flu/cold (8%)
    •Runny nose (8%)
    •Rash (7%)

  • Warnings of Truvada vs. Emtriva

    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
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •LIVER PROBLEMS

  • Prices with our coupons for Truvada vs. Emtriva

    Learn more about Truvada
    Learn more about Emtricitabine

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