Compare Complera vs. Viread
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats HIV infection
Complera (emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir) is a convenient 3-in-1 medication used to treat HIV infections.
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Also treats Hepatitis B Virus.
Viread (tenofovir) is a first-line choice to be used in combination with other medications to treat HIV. Viread (tenofovir) is also a first-line choice in treating HBV.
Upsides
- Complera (emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir) combines three medications into one tablet, so it's easy to take.
- Complera (emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir) might be an option for HIV treatment if other HIV drug combinations haven't worked for you.
- There are drug assistance programs available either through the government (AIDS Drug Assistance Program aka. ADAP) or through the drug manufacturer which can help with drug costs and co-pays.
- Can be used with other medications to prevent HIV infection after an exposure.
- Taken only once daily, with or without food.
- There are newer formulations of Viread (tenofovir) available that are safer on your kidneys.
- If tablets are hard for you to swallow, Viread (tenofovir) is available in a powder that's mixed with soft foods.
Downsides
- Must be taken with a light meal which includes fat.
- Cannot be taken with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) like Prilosec or Prevacid. If you need to take an acid reducer, try an antacid like calcium carbonate either 2 hours before or 4 hours after Complera (emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir). Drugs like Pepcid or Zantac (H2RAs) may also be an option, but these should be taken 12 hours before or 4 hours after Complera (emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir).
- Not recommended for patients who have a significantly high level of viral cells or have a very low level of immune cells.
- Not recommended for patients with kidney damage.
- Can weaken your bones.
- Viread (tenofovir) can't be used on its own to treat HIV infection.
- Not recommended for patients with kidney damage.
- Can weaken your bones.
- Might worsen hepatitis B infections if you suddenly stop taking it.
Used for
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B
- HIV prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Powder
Price
Lowest price
$2670.55
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$93.92
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
Risks and risk factors
- Lactic acidosis | Enlarged, fatty liver
- Liver disease
- Women
- Obesity
- Cannot be used to treat Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis B Virus infection
- Mood and behavior changes
- History of mental health problems
- Decreased bone mineral density
- History of bone fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney damage
- History of kidney damage
- Concurrent use of drugs known to harm kidneys
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
- Prior severe allergic reaction to Complera (emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir) or any of its individual drug components.
- Lactic acidosis | Enlarged, fatty liver
- Liver disease
- Women
- Obesity
- Cannot be used to treat Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis B Virus infection
- Mood and behavior changes
- History of mental illness
- Decreased bone mineral density
- History of bone fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney damage
- History of kidney damage
- Concurrent use of other drugs known to harm kidneys
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
- Prior severe allergic reaction to Viread (tenofovir) or any of its individual drug components.