Compare Viread vs. Ziagen
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 infection.
Ziagen (abacavir) is a first-choice medication that is used with others to treat HIV. It's important that your doctor test you for allergic reactions to Ziagen (abacavir) before starting the medication.
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.
- Ziagen (abacavir) is found in many other combination tablets.
- Ziagen (abacavir) has few drug interactions.
- People whose kidneys are not working as well can still take Ziagen (abacavir) without having to change its dose.
- Kids 3 months and older can use Ziagen (abacavir).
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.
- Ziagen (abacavir) can increase your risk of heart attack.
- This is not a great medication to take if you have liver problems.
- Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Ziagen (abacavir). Your doctor will test you for any possible risk of reaction before starting Ziagen (abacavir).
Used for
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B
- HIV prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Powder
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$22.99
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$45.33
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Reviews
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Side effects
21possible side effects
- Nausea19%
- Headache13%
- Fatigue and discomfort12%
- Dreams/sleep disorders10%
- Nausea and vomiting10%
- Severe allergic reactions9%
- Fever and/or chills9%
- Headaches/migraine7%
- Diarrhea7%
- Skin rashes7%
- Rashes6%
- Stomach pain6%
- Depression6%
- Dizziness6%
- Muscle and joint pain6%
- Ear/nose/throat infections5%
- Viral respiratory infections5%
- Anxiety5%
- Bronchitis4%
- Pneumonia4%
- Vomiting2%
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.
- Severe allergic reactions
- Positive genetic test (HLA B5701)
- Lactic acidosis & severe liver damage
- Obesity
- Women
- History of liver problems
- Immune system reactivation
- Fat redistribution
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes