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Compare Viread vs. Complera

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

  • Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
    Complera
  • Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
    Complera

  • Summary of Viread vs. Complera

    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.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Complera is a single-tablet regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), rilpivirine (Edurant), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread). It's no longer a first-choice treatment option due to newer agents with fewer side effects.

  • Indications of Viread vs. Complera

    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
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Viread vs. Complera

    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)
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
    •Can be used in pregnancy at the same dose
    •Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
    •Causes less abnormal dreams when compared to a similar medication Atripla
    •Not associated with weight gain
    Cons
    •Must be taken with food
    •Not recommended for people with kidney problems since the dose can't be adjusted
    •Can't be used if the amount of virus (viral load) is too high
    •There are many medication interactions and it can't be taken with some medications used to treat tuberculosis, seizures, and stomach acid.
    •Can lead to kidney and bone problems

  • Common Side Effects of Viread vs. Complera

    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.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Change in mood, depression (2%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Trouble sleeping, insomnia (2%)

  • Warnings of Viread vs. Complera

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS AND TOXICITY
    •DEPRESSION AND CHANGES IN MOOD
    •KIDNEY PROBLEMS
    •BONE PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME

  • Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Complera

    Learn more about Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
    Learn more about Complera

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