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Compare Viread vs. Zerit

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and stavudine (Zerit) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV in combination with other antiretrovirals. They belong to the same subclass called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). However, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is also FDA-approved for treating chronic hepatitis B, while stavudine (Zerit) is not. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is available as an oral tablet and powder, whereas stavudine (Zerit) is no longer available in the U.S. due to its serious side effects and lack of demand. Common side effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) include rash, diarrhea, and headache, while stavudine (Zerit) was known for causing severe side effects, which contributed to its discontinuation. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) can interact with certain medications for hepatitis C and HIV, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your provider.

  • 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
    •Interacts with certain medications for hepatitis C and HIV, such as atazanavir (Reyataz) and Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Viread vs. Zerit

    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

  • Warnings of Viread vs. Zerit

    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Zerit

    Learn more about Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
    Learn more about Stavudine

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