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Compare Viread vs. Pegasys

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) are both used to treat chronic hepatitis B, but they belong to different medication classes. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and is also used to treat HIV infections when taken in combination with other HIV medications, while peginterferon alfa-2a is an interferon alpha used for hepatitis C as well. Tenofovir is taken orally once a day, available as a tablet or powder, and is also used off-label for HIV PrEP. Peginterferon alfa-2a is injected under the skin once a week. Tenofovir is available as a generic, while peginterferon is not. Common side effects of tenofovir include rash, diarrhea, and headache, whereas peginterferon can cause tiredness, headache, and fever. Tenofovir can interact with certain hepatitis C and HIV medications, while peginterferon can cause serious side effects like mental health issues and infections.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Summary of Viread vs. Pegasys
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 Interferon alpha
Prescription only
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is an interferon alpha. It's used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and hepatitis C in children and adults, sometimes in combination with other antivirals. Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is injected under the skin, typically once per week. The most common side effects of this medication include tiredness, headache, and fever.
Indications of Viread vs. Pegasys
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

•Long-term hepatitis C in people ages 5 years and older (in combination with other medications)

•Long-term hepatitis B in people ages 3 years and older
Pros and Cons of Viread vs. Pegasys
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 Interferon alpha
Pros

•Given only once per week

•An option for children as young as 5 years old

•Available as a prefilled syringe for easier use

Cons

•Can cause serious side effects, including mental health conditions and risk of serious infection

•No longer recommended for hepatitis C treatment

•Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
Common Side Effects of Viread vs. Pegasys
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
Adults

•Tiredness/fatigue (56%)

•Headache (54%)

•Muscle pain (37%)

•Fever (37%)

•Chills (35%)

•Joint pain (28%)

•Nausea/vomiting (24%)

•Hair loss (23%)

•Pain, swelling, or redness at injection site (22%)

•Anxious/nervousness (19%)

•Difficulty sleeping (19%)

•Depression (18%)

•Loss of appetite (17%)

•Diarrhea (16%)

•Dizziness (16%)

•Stomach pain (15%)

•Itching (12%)

•Pain (11%)

Children

•Flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, short of breath) (81%)

•Stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) (44%)

•Pain, swelling, or redness at injection site (42%)

•Headache (39%)

•Muscle pain (29%)

•Tiredness/weakness (20%)

•Irritated/angry feeling (14%)

•Itching (12%)

•Difficulty sleeping (12%)

•Rash (10%)
Warnings of Viread vs. Pegasys
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

•Potential harm or death to your unborn baby

•Mental health problems

•Autoimmune disorders

•Stroke or bleeding in the brain

•Infections

•Numbness or pain in your hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)

•Worsening liver problems and liver failure

•Heart problems

•Low blood cell counts

•Hormone problems

•Eye and vision problems

•Lung problems

•Intestine and pancreas problems

•Delayed growth in children

•Severe allergic and skin reactions
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Compare Viread vs. Pegasys

Key takeaways

Summary of Viread vs. Pegasys

Indications of Viread vs. Pegasys

Pros and Cons of Viread vs. Pegasys

Common Side Effects of Viread vs. Pegasys

Warnings of Viread vs. Pegasys

Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Pegasys

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