Viread vs. Descovy for HIV Treatment: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

Pill taken once a day
Treats and prevents HIV
Fewer kidney and bone side effects than Truvada

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

Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg of

$40.44$3,074.57

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Descovy30 tablets / 200mg/25mg

$2,153.67$3,049.46

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Viread vs. Descovy

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Descovy

Summary for Viread

Indications for Viread

Pros and Cons for Viread

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Viread

Warnings for Viread

Summary for Descovy

Indications for Descovy

Pros and Cons for Descovy

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Descovy

Warnings for Descovy

Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Descovy

Compare other HIV Treatment drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Descovy

Summary for Viread

Indications for Viread

Pros and Cons for Viread

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Viread

Warnings for Viread

Summary for Descovy

Indications for Descovy

Pros and Cons for Descovy

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Descovy

Warnings for Descovy