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Compare Viread vs. Trizivir

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and Trizivir (abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and characteristics. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is also approved for treating chronic hepatitis B, while Trizivir is a combination of three NRTIs specifically for HIV treatment. Viread is typically taken once daily, available as a tablet or powder. In contrast, Trizivir is taken twice daily and is availible as a tablet. Both medications are not a full HIV regimen on their own and should be taken with other antiretrovirals for treatment of HIV. Both are availible in generic form. Common side effects of Viread include rash, diarrhea, and headache, whereas Trizivir can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Viread may interact with certain hepatitis C and HIV medications, while Trizivir requires a genetic test due to the risk of severe allergic reactions. Additionally, Viread can affect bone density and kidney function, while Trizivir is associated with blood and muscle problems.

  • Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
    Trizivir
  • Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
    Trizivir

  • Summary of Viread vs. Trizivir

    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 HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Trizivir is a combination medication containing three HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs): abacavir (Ziagen), lamivudine (Epivir), and zidovudine (Retrovir). It's not used very commonly anymore.

  • Indications of Viread vs. Trizivir

    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
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Viread vs. Trizivir

    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 HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Combines 3 different HIV medications into 1 tablet
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    •Doesn't affect your kidneys or bone density like some other NRTIs
    •Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B
    Cons
    •Contains 3 HIV ARVs but isn't a full HIV regimen
    •Can cause serious blood and muscle problems
    •Dose can't be adjusted so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal
    •Not a good option for people with heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Viread vs. Trizivir

    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
    •Nausea and vomiting (19%)
    •Headache (13%)
    •Tiredness and fatigue (12%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Fevers and/or chills (6%)
    •Depressed mood (6%)

  • Warnings of Viread vs. Trizivir

    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
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS
    •MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION

  • Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Trizivir

    Learn more about Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
    Learn more about Trizivir

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