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Compare Atripla vs. Symfi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir) and Symfi (efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir) are both combination HIV treatments taken once daily. Atripla includes emtricitabine, while Symfi contains lamivudine instead. Both medications have similar side effects, such as dizziness and liver problems, but Symfi also has a version called Symfi LO with a lower dose of efavirenz, which might be better for those who experience more side effects. Atripla must be taken on an empty stomach, usually at bedtime to minimize side effects, whereas Symfi can be taken at any time of day, as long as it's on an empty stomach. Both are not first-choice treatments due to their side effects, and neither is recommended during pregnancy. Both medications are available as a generic.

  • Atripla
    Symfi
  • Atripla
    Symfi

  • Summary of Atripla vs. Symfi

    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

    Symfi is an HIV antiretroviral (ARV) combination tablet that contains 3 different medications: efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir. It also comes as Symfi LO, which has a lower dose of efavirenze compared with Symfi. This once-daily medication is considered a complete HIV treatment regimen for many people. Symfi isn't a first choice treatment option because it can cause a lot of serious side effects, such as mood, liver, and kidney problems.

  • Indications of Atripla vs. Symfi

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •HIV

  • Pros and Cons of Atripla vs. Symfi

    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
    •Convenient, once-a-day tablet
    •Comes in two different strengths, with different amounts of efavirenz
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Symfi LO can be used in children who weigh at least 88 pounds
    Cons
    •Not a first choice treatment option for HIV
    •Can cause more fat to appear in the belly and upper back, and less fat in the face, arms, and legs
    •Not a good option for people with kidney problems, liver problems, or certain heart rhythm problems
    •Should be avoided during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Atripla vs. Symfi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (9%)
    •Depression (9%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infections (8%)
    •Sinus infection (8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Common side effects for Symfi

    •Rash (13%)
    •Dizziness (9%)
    •Trouble sleeping (4%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Vomiting (2%)
    •Stomach flu (2%)
    •Fever (1%)
    •Cough, sore throat, and other cold or flu symptoms (1—2%)
    •Shingles (1%)

    Common side effects for Symfi LO

    •Rash (9%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Trouble sleeping (3%)
    •Cough, sore throat, and other cold or flu symptoms (3%)
    •Shingles (3%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Stomach flu (2%)
    •Fever (2%)
    •Vomiting (1%)
    •Headache (1%)

  • Warnings of Atripla vs. Symfi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection in people with HIV and hepatitis B
    •Liver problems
    •Effects on mental health
    •Side effects related to the nervous system (e.g., dizziness, trouble sleeping)
    •Kidney problems
    •Bone problems
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Overactive immune system
    •Changes in body fat
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B
    •High level of acid in the blood (lactic acidosis) and liver damage (hepatomegaly with steatosis)
    •Kidney problems
    •Mental health effects
    •Central nervous system (CNS) side effects
    •Rash
    •Liver toxicity
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Immune reconstitution syndrome (inflammation)

  • Prices with our coupons for Atripla vs. Symfi

    Learn more about Atripla
    Learn more about Symfi

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