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Compare Viread vs. Intron A

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

  • 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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