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Compare Viread vs. Intron A

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) are both used to treat chronic hepatitis B, but they belong to different medication classes. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an antiretroviral medication, specifically a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), and is also used to treat HIV infections. It is available as an oral tablet and powder, and it is taken once daily. In contrast, interferon alfa-2b is a biologic medication that was used to treat certain cancers and viral infections, including hepatitis B and C, but it has been discontinued in the United States. Interferon alfa-2b was administered via injection. Common side effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate include rash, diarrhea, and headache, whereas interferon alfa-2b could cause flu-like symptoms and fatigue. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate requires regular monitoring for kidney and bone health, and it interacts with certain hepatitis C and HIV medications.

  • Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
    Intron a (interferon alfa-2b)
  • Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
    Intron a (interferon alfa-2b)

  • Summary of Viread vs. Intron A

    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 Biologic

    Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) is an injectable medication that's used to treat various types of cancer and viral infections. Depending on the condition, this medication can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, into a vein, or into an area of skin growth. Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States. Your healthcare provider will help guide you to other treatment options.

  • Indications of Viread vs. Intron A

    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

    Certain cancers:

    •Hairy cell leukemia
    •Melanoma
    •Follicular lymphoma
    •Kaposi's sarcoma in people with AIDs (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

    Certain viral infections:

    •Genital warts
    •Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and C

  • Pros and Cons of Viread vs. Intron A

    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 Biologic
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Viread vs. Intron A

    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

  • Warnings of Viread vs. Intron A

    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Intron A

    Learn more about Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
    Learn more about Intron a

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