TDF Vs.TAF

What is Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF )?

TDF Vs.TAF.  TDF is a drug used to provide treatment to individuals living with HIV. When it is utilized as preventive medicine, it is called a PrEP drug or pre-exposure prophylaxis. Besides HIV, TDF is also prescribed in administering medical care to individuals with hepatitis B infection. TDF can be purchased by the trade names Stribild, Truvada, Viread, Atripla, and Complera.

What is Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF)?

TAF is recognized as the newer version of TDF. Similar to other HIV medications, TAF functions by inhibiting HIV from replicating or multiplying. TAF has been recognized as a prodrug since its development. It is absorbed more quickly than TDF, making it an effective medicine for HIV.

What makes TAF more advantageous is that healthcare professionals can prescribe it in smaller dosages. This means that there are fewer chances of having kidney complications. TAF is only sold by the brand version Vemlidy.

Warning and Precautions

*Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Before receiving a prescription involving TDF, you will be asked by your healthcare professional if you have the following:

• Liver disease
• Kidney problems
• Low bone mineral density
• Hepatitis B infection

Note that hypersensitivity can be fatal. If you are allergic to this drug, avoid using it for safety purposes.

*Tenofovir Alafenamide

Similar to the given precautions for TDF medication, your healthcare professional will also ask if you have the following conditions:

• Hepatitis B infection
• Kidney infection
• Liver damage

Should you be allergic to this drug, you are likely prohibited from using TAF. Since hypersensitivity can be fatal, avoid taking it.

Dosage

The dosage for both these drugs are similar. Before providing the prescription, there are certain factors which the healthcare professional will consider. These are as follows:

• The patient’s medical history
• The patient’s age and weight
• Other forms of drugs that the patient is currently taking

*TDF Dosage

• For treating HIV infection, the dosage for adults is 300 mg of Tenofovir DF to be consumed daily.
• For HBV infection, the dosage will depend on the patient’s weight; however, the usual dosage is 300 mg of Tenofovir DF to be consumed daily.

*TAF Dosage

• For treating HIV infection, the dosage for adults is only 300 mg to be consumed daily. It must be consumed alongside other forms of antiretroviral drugs.
• Meanwhile, in treating HBBV, the usual dosage is 25 mg to be consumed daily.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

*Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

The following are the adverse reactions associated with TDF:

• Pain in the back
• Recurrent headaches
• Lack of strength
• Skin redness
• Joint pain
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Chest tightness
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite

*Tenofovir Alafenamide

The following are the adverse reactions associated with TAF:

• Dark-colored urine
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Cough
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

Takeaway

Both of these drugs are effective and efficient in their functions. However, for people at risk of developing kidney problems, TAF is a better option as it minimizes your susceptibility to the condition. Furthermore, both TDF and TAF are potent in treating HIV and HBV.