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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)

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Pegasys

(peginterferon alfa-2a)

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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 Pegasys

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 for Pegasys

  • 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 for Pegasys

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 for Pegasys

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 for Pegasys

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Pegasys

Price Card Drug Icon
Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg of
$44.51-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Pegasys1 kit / 4 syringes of 180mcg/0.5ml
$4,281.80-
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