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Truvada vs. Viread

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

Key takeaways

Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some differences. Truvada is a combination medication that includes emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, while Viread contains only tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada is also used for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection, whereas Viread is not used alone for PrEP but can be part of a PrEP regimen. Additionally, Viread is approved to treat chronic hepatitis B, while Truvada is not. Both medications can cause side effects like kidney problems and bone issues, but Truvada may also cause headaches and belly pain when used for PrEP. Truvada is taken once daily as a tablet, and Viread is available as both a tablet and a powder for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor your health.

Truvada

 

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Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

(Viread)

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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 Viread

Prescription only

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread), also known as TDF, is a first-choice medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's also a preferred medication used for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV). Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, the active ingredient in Viread, is also found in Truvada, a combination medication commonly used for HIV PrEP. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is available as both an oral tablet and a powder that's mixed with soft food. Common side effects include rash, diarrhea, and headache.

Indications for Viread

  • Treatment of HIV infection - people ages 2 years and older
  • Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B - Brand Viread for people ages 2 years and older; generic for people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Viread

Pros

  • Can treat both HIV and HBV infections
  • Only taken once a day
  • Available in a powder form that can be mixed with soft foods for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
  • Tablet form is available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

  • Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
  • Can worsen hepatitis B if stopped all of a sudden
  • More likely to cause bone problems compared to similar medications
  • Interacts with certain medications for hepatitis C and HIV, such as atazanavir (Reyataz) and Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)

Common Side Effects for Viread

  • Higher cholesterol levels (19-22%)
  • Rash (5-18%)
  • Diarrhea (9-16%)
  • Headache (5-14%)
  • Pain (3-13%)
  • Higher creatine kinase (CK) levels, suggesting muscle damage (9-12%)
  • Feeling depressed (4-11%)
  • Nausea (8-11%)
  • Lack of energy (6-11%)

Please note: The side effects above were reported by people taking this medication for HIV infection.

Warnings for Viread

  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection
  • Kidney problems
  • Overactive immune system
  • Bone problems
  • Liver problems and lactic acidosis
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Truvada vs. Viread

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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir30 tablets / 200mg/300mg
$23.88$2,010.99
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Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg
$42.51$2,429.66
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