Key takeaways
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and zidovudine (Retrovir) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV when taken with other HIV antiretrovirals. They belong to the same class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by preventing the virus from making copies of itself. However, they have some differences. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is also FDA-approved for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV), while zidovudine (Retrovir) is used for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is typically taken once a day, whereas zidovudine (Retrovir) is taken multiple times a day. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is available as a tablet and powder, while zidovudine (Retrovir) comes in capsule, oral solution, and IV forms. Common side effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) include rash and diarrhea, while zidovudine (Retrovir) often causes headache and nausea. Both medications can cause serious side effects, such as liver problems and immune reconstitution syndrome, but zidovudine (Retrovir) is more likely to cause blood and muscle problems. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.
