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Viread vs. Descovy

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

(Viread)

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Descovy

(emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)

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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 Descovy

Prescription only

Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription antiretroviral pill used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It's FDA approved for use with other HIV medications to treat HIV in adults and children. It's also approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV in adults and teens. You take it once a day by mouth, with or without food. Some common side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

Indications for Descovy

  • HIV treatment, in combination with other HIV medications - adults and children
  • Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP) - adults and teens

Pros and Cons for Descovy

Pros

Cons

  • Not approved for PrEP in people at risk from vaginal sex
  • Common side effects are diarrhea and nausea
  • Requires regular lab tests

Common Side Effects for Descovy

  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Nausea (4%)

Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) alone for PrEP.

Warnings for Descovy

  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection
  • Take extra steps to prevent HIV when used for PrEP
  • Overactive immune system
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems and lactic acidosis

Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Descovy

Price Card Drug Icon
Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg
$44.51-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Descovy30 tablets / 200mg/25mg
$2,157.90$2,809.99
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