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Compare Truvada vs. Videx

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

Key takeaways

Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) and didanosine (Videx) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV when taken in combination with other HIV medications. They belong to the same subclass called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which help prevent the virus from making copies of itself. However, there are several differences between them. Truvada is a combination medication that is still available and is also used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), while Videx has been discontinued in the U.S. due to serious side effects and lack of demand. Truvada is taken once daily as a tablet, whereas Videx was also taken orally but is no longer available. Truvada is available as a generic, making it a more cost-effective option. Common side effects of Truvada include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, while Videx was known for more severe side effects, which contributed to its discontinuation. Additionally, Truvada requires regular monitoring of kidney and liver function, and it can interact with medications for hepatitis C, whereas Videx had restrictions on being taken with certain other HIV medications.

  • Truvada
    Didanosine (Videx)
  • Truvada
    Didanosine (Videx)

  • Summary of Truvada vs. Videx

    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

    Didanosine (Videx) was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. It has a lot of serious side effects that have limited its use in recent years and is no longer available in the U.S.

  • Indications of Truvada vs. Videx

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

  • Pros and Cons of Truvada vs. Videx

    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
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Truvada vs. Videx

    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

  • Warnings of Truvada vs. Videx

    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Truvada vs. Videx

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    Learn more about Didanosine

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