Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
Stavudine
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread)
Stavudine
Summary of Viread vs. Zerit
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
Stavudine was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. It has a lot of serious side effects that have limited its use in recent years and is no longer available in the U.S.
Indications of Viread vs. Zerit
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
Pros and Cons of Viread vs. Zerit
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