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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.

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Vemlidy Vs. Viread: How Do The Costs Of These Hepatitis B Medications Compare?

Vemlidy

(tenofovir alafenamide)

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Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

(Viread)

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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 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 Vemlidy vs. Viread

Price Card Drug Icon
Vemlidy30 tablets / 25mg
$1,481.37$2,140.55
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Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg
$44.51$2,384.99
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