Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir) and Stribild (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir) are both single-tablet regimens used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Atripla contains a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), while Stribild includes an integrase inhibitor, two NRTIs, and a booster medication. Atripla should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime to avoid side effects like dizziness and abnormal dreams, whereas Stribild must be taken with food to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. Atripla is available as a generic, making it more affordable, while Stribild is not. Both medications can cause kidney and bone problems, but Stribild is noted for fewer abnormal dreams compared to Atripla. Neither medication is recommended for people with significant liver or kidney issues, and both have interactions with many other medications.
Atripla
Stribild
Atripla
Stribild
Summary of Atripla vs. Stribild
Summary for HIV ARV
Prescription only
Atripla is a combination antiviral medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It's a tablet that has three active ingredients: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Atripla is for adults and children who weigh at least 88 lbs. You take it once a day by mouth on an empty stomach. Some side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and depression. The brand name Atripla isn't sold anymore, but you can still get this medication as a generic.
Summary for HIV ARV Combo
Prescription only
Stribild is a single-tablet-regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), elvitegravir (Vitekta), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir DF (Viread), and one booster medication, cobicistat (Tybost).
Indications of Atripla vs. Stribild
Indications for
•HIV treatment
Indications for
•HIV treatment
Pros and Cons of Atripla vs. Stribild
Pros and Const for HIV ARV
Pros
•Is a full HIV treatment regimen
•Combines 3 HIV medications into 1 tablet for convenience
•Taken once a day
•Not likely to cause weight gain
•Okay for children weighing at least 88 lbs to take
Cons
•Must take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime
•Might have strange dreams while taking
•Interacts with other medications, including some other HIV medications and hepatitis C medications
•Risk of kidney and bone problems
•Not recommended for people with moderate or severe kidney or liver problems
Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
Pros
•1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
•Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
•One of the few single-tablet-regimens that contains an integrase inhibitor (a preferred HIV ARV subclass)
•In clinical trials, caused less abnormal dreams than Atripla
•Gilead copay card available for people with commercial health plans (not for use with Medicaid and Medicare plans)
Cons
•Must be taken with food
•Dose can't be adjusted, so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
•Can cause kidney and bone problems
•Interacts with a lot of medications
•Not a good option for people who are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant