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Viread vs. Hepsera

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and adefovir (Hepsera) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis B, but they have some key differences. Tenofovir (Viread) is also used to treat HIV, making it a more versatile option. Adefovir (Hepsera) is not a first-choice treatment for hepatitis B because the virus can become resistant to it over time, whereas tenofovir (Viread) is preferred for its effectiveness and lower risk of resistance. Both medications are available in brand-name and generic forms and are taken once daily, but tenofovir (Viread) can also be found in a powder form for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Common side effects of tenofovir (Viread) include rash, diarrhea, and headache, while adefovir (Hepsera) commonly causes weakness, headache, and stomach pain. Both medications can cause serious side effects like kidney problems and lactic acidosis, so regular blood tests are important.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

(Viread)

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Adefovir

(Hepsera)

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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 Hepsera

Prescription only

Adefovir (Hepsera) is an antiviral medication that's used for the treatment of hepatitis B in people age 12 and older. It's not a first-choice treatment option because the virus can become resistant to adefovir (Hepsera), meaning the medication might stop working well over time. Adefovir (Hepsera) is available as a brand-name and generic tablet that's typically taken once daily. Some side effects of the medication can include weakness, headache, and stomach pain.

Indications for Hepsera

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Pros and Cons for Hepsera

Pros

  • Only need to take once a day
  • Can take with or without food
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Not a first-choice medication to treat hepatitis B
  • High risk of viral resistance to the medication
  • Might cause buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

Common Side Effects for Hepsera

  • Weakness or lack of energy (13%)
  • Headache (9%)
  • Stomach pain (9%)
  • Nausea (5%)

Warnings for Hepsera

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

Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Hepsera

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Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg
$44.51$2,384.99
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Adefovir3 bottles / 30 tablets of 10mg
$759.30$3,799.42
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