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Vemlidy vs. Truvada

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

Key takeaways

Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) and Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both antiretroviral medications, but they are used for different purposes. Vemlidy is primarily used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) in people aged 6 years and older, while Truvada is used to treat and prevent HIV infections. Vemlidy is taken once daily with food and is less harmful to your kidneys and bones compared to Viread, another form of tenofovir. On the other hand, Truvada is also taken once daily but can be taken with or without food and is available as a lower-cost generic medication. Truvada is a combination of two medications and is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Both medications cannot be used alone to treat HIV. Both medications can cause kidney and bone problems, but Truvada requires regular blood work to monitor your liver and kidneys. Additionally, stopping either medication suddenly can worsen hepatitis B.

Vemlidy

(tenofovir alafenamide)

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Truvada

 

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Summary for Vemlidy

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.

Indications for Vemlidy

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

Pros and Cons for Vemlidy

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

Common Side Effects for Vemlidy

  • Headache (12%)
  • Stomach pain (9%)
  • Cough (8%)
  • Back pain (6%)
  • Tiredness (6%)
  • Nausea (6%)

Warnings for Vemlidy

  • Worsening of hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis B and HIV coinfection
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

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

Prices with our coupons for Vemlidy vs. Truvada

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Vemlidy30 tablets / 25mg
$1,481.37$2,140.55
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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir30 tablets / 200mg/300mg
$27.53$2,099.99
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