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Compare Vemlidy vs. Viread

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

Key takeaways

Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) and Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) but there are some key differences. Viread is also approved to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while Vemlidy is not. Vemlidy is designed to work specifically in the liver, which results in less tenofovir in the bloodstream and makes it less harmful to your kidneys and bones compared to Viread. Viread is available in both tablet and powder forms, and it has a generic version, making it a more affordable option. On the other hand, Vemlidy is only available as a brand-name medication. Both medications are taken once daily, but Vemlidy must be taken with food. Common side effects for Vemlidy include headache, stomach pain, and cough, while Viread can cause higher cholesterol levels, rash, and diarrhea.

drug combination

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  • Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide)
    Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
  • Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide)
    Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)

  • Summary of Vemlidy vs. Viread

    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 Antiretroviral (ARV)
    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 of Vemlidy vs. Viread

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

    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 Antiretroviral (ARV)
    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 of Vemlidy vs. Viread

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (12%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Cough (8%)
    •Back pain (6%)
    •Tiredness (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 of Vemlidy vs. Viread

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

    Learn more about Vemlidy
    Learn more about Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

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