Key takeaways
Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) and Hepsera (adefovir) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis B, but they have some key differences. Vemlidy is a first-choice treatment for hepatitis B and is typically taken once daily with food. It is designed to work specifically in the liver, which reduces the amount of the medication in the bloodstream and lowers the risk of kidney and bone problems. On the other hand, Hepsera is not a first-choice treatment because the hepatitis B virus can become resistant to it over time. Hepsera is also taken once daily but can be taken with or without food. Vemlidy is only available as a brand-name medication, while Hepsera is available in both brand-name and generic forms, making it a lower-cost option. Both medications can cause serious side effects like lactic acidosis and liver problems, but Vemlidy is generally considered safer for long-term use. Additionally, Vemlidy can be used in children as young as 6 years old, whereas Hepsera is only approved for those 12 and older.
