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Viread vs. Baraclude

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Viread is also approved to treat hepatitis B, while Descovy is not. Viread can be used in combination with other medications for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), whereas Descovy is a complete regimen for PrEP but is not effective for females at risk through receptive vaginal sex. Viread is available as a generic, making it a lower-cost option, while Descovy does not have a generic form. Descovy is considered safer for your kidneys and bones compared to Viread. Both medications are taken once daily and require regular blood tests to monitor your health. Common side effects for Viread include rash, diarrhea, and headache, while Descovy commonly causes nausea and diarrhea.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

(Viread)

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Entecavir

(Baraclude)

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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

Summary for Baraclude

Prescription only

Entecavir (Baraclude) is a first-choice antiviral medication used for the treatment of hepatitis B. Some side effects of the medication can include headache and fatigue. Entecavir (Baraclude) is available as a tablet and a liquid solution that are typically taken once daily. While both forms of the medication have a brand name, only the tablet has a generic version available as well.

Indications for Baraclude

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Pros and Cons for Baraclude

Pros

  • First-choice medication for hepatitis B
  • Generally mild side effects
  • Not known to have a risk of kidney damage like other hepatitis B medications (e.g., tenofovir (Viread))
  • Can use in children as young as 2 years old
  • Available as a liquid solution for young children and people who have a hard time swallowing tablets

Cons

  • Not a cure for hepatitis B
  • Must take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before your next meal)
  • Requires dose adjustments for people with kidney problems
  • Not the best option for people who’ve taken lamivudine (Epivir HBV) in the past because of possible viral resistance
  • Not a first-choice option for people with both hepatitis B and HIV

Common Side Effects for Baraclude

Warnings for Baraclude

  • Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping treatment
  • Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection
  • Lactic acidosis and liver problems

Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Baraclude

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Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg
$42.51$2,384.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Entecavir30 tablets / 0.5mg
$20.29$1,004.93
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