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Compare Vemlidy vs. Intron A

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir alafenamide (Vemlidy) and interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) are both used to treat hepatitis B, but they belong to different medication classes and have important differences. Tenofovir alafenamide is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) taken orally. Interferon alfa-2b is an injectable biologic, but it has been discontinued in the U.S.. Vemlidy is FDA-approved specifically for hepatitis B in people aged 6 and older, whereas Intron A was used for a broader range of conditions, including certain cancers and viral infections like hepatitis B and C, before it was discontinued. Vemlidy is typically taken once daily with food, while Intron A required injections, which could be more complex. Vemlidy is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Intron A is no longer available in the U.S. Common side effects of Vemlidy include headache and stomach pain, while Intron A could cause flu-like symptoms and fatigue. Vemlidy has specific drug interactions, such as with NSAIDs, which can increase the risk of kidney damage, whereas Intron A's interactions were less specified due to its discontinuation.

  • Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide)
    Intron a (interferon alfa-2b)
  • Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide)
    Intron a (interferon alfa-2b)

  • Summary of Vemlidy vs. Intron A

    Summary for Antiretroviral (ARV)
    Prescription only

    Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide), also known as TAF, is a first-choice medication for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) for adults and children ages 6 years and older weighing at least 55 lbs. Tenofovir alafenamide is also found in combination with other antiretrovirals in medications such as Biktarvy to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) include headache, stomach pain, and cough.

    Summary for Biologic

    Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) is an injectable medication that's used to treat various types of cancer and viral infections. Depending on the condition, this medication can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, into a vein, or into an area of skin growth. Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States. Your healthcare provider will help guide you to other treatment options.

  • Indications of Vemlidy vs. Intron A

    Indications for
    •Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in people ages 6 years and older weighing at least 55 lbs
    Indications for

    Certain cancers:

    •Hairy cell leukemia
    •Melanoma
    •Follicular lymphoma
    •Kaposi's sarcoma in people with AIDs (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

    Certain viral infections:

    •Genital warts
    •Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and C

  • Pros and Cons of Vemlidy vs. Intron A

    Pros and Const for Antiretroviral (ARV)
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication to treat hepatitis B
    •Only taken once a day
    •Not as harmful to your kidneys and bones compared to Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
    •Can be taken by most people with kidney problems
    Cons
    •Can't take Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) alone if you're co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis B
    •Currently only available as brand-name medication
    •Must be taken with food
    •Can cause worsening of hepatitis B if stopped all of a sudden
    Pros and Const for Biologic
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Vemlidy vs. Intron A

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Back pain (6%)
    •Tiredness (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Vemlidy vs. Intron A

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B
    •Hepatitis B and HIV coinfection
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Vemlidy vs. Intron A

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