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Viread vs. Ziagen

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

Key takeaways

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) and abacavir (Ziagen) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV. However, they belong to different classes of ARVs and have distinct uses and characteristics. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is also approved for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV), while abacavir (Ziagen) is solely used for HIV treatment. Both medications should be taken with other antiretrovirals for treatment of HIV. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) is available as a tablet and a powder, whereas abacavir (Ziagen) comes in tablet and oral solution forms. A key difference is that abacavir (Ziagen) requires a genetic test before use due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, which is not necessary for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread). Common side effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) include rash, diarrhea, and headache, while abacavir (Ziagen) can cause headache, nausea, and fatigue. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread) may interact with certain hepatitis C medications, whereas abacavir (Ziagen) has fewer drug interactions but may increase the risk of heart attack in some people.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

(Viread)

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Abacavir

(Ziagen)

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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 Ziagen

Prescription only

Abacavir (Ziagen) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV. It requires a genetic test before you start taking it because it can cause a severe allergic reaction.

Indications for Ziagen

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Ziagen

Pros

  • It's the only NRTI that can be used safely at the same dose in people with severe kidney problems
  • Available in many other HIV ARV combination tablets
  • Not many drug interactions
  • Can be used in children aged 3 months and older
  • Available as a tablet and oral solution

Cons

  • Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal
  • Cannot be taken by anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to abacavir (Ziagen)
  • Not a good option for people with heart problems
  • Can't be used in people with severe liver problems
  • People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting abacavir (Ziagen)

Common Side Effects for Ziagen

  • Headache (7%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Fatigue/tireness (7%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)
  • Rash (6%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Dizziness (6%)
  • Muscle Pain (6%)

Warnings for Ziagen

  • SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
  • LIVER PROBLEMS
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
  • HEART ATTACK

Prices with our coupons for Viread vs. Ziagen

Price Card Drug Icon
Tenofovir90 tablets / 300mg
$44.51-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Abacavir60 tablets / 300mg of
$52.46-
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