Compare Viread vs. Descovy
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Works with other medicines to treat HIV.
Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a first choice combination tablet that is used with other medications to treat HIV and is safe for your kidneys and bones.
Upsides
- 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.
- Compared to Truvada (a similar drug formulation), Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is safe for your kidneys and bones.
- Take only once daily, with or without food.
- Children 12 years or older can take Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide).
Downsides
- 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.
- Might worsen hepatitis B infections if you suddenly stop taking Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide).
- Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is only approved to treat HIV, not to stop you from getting it.
- Since Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is not a generic, it may be expensive.
Used for
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B
- HIV prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Powder
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$21.94
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$1908.22
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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 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.
- Sudden worsening of Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis B virus
- Lactic acidosis and enlarged, fatty liver
- Liver disease
- Obesity
- Kidney damage
- History of kidney damage
- Using other drugs known to harm kidneys
- Weakened bones
- History of bone fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Immune reconstitution syndrome
- HIV
- Exposure to other infections
- Start of a new HIV medication
- Change in HIV medication