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Compare Atripla vs. Truvada

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

Key takeaways

Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Atripla is a single-tablet regimen that includes three antiretrovirals: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. It is taken once daily on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime to avoid side effects like dizziness and abnormal dreams. Truvada, on the other hand, contains only two antiretrovirals: emtricitabine and tenofovir, and is also taken once daily but can be taken with or without food. Truvada is not a complete treatment for HIV and must be combined with another medication, but it is also approved for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection. Atripla is no longer a first-choice treatment due to its side effects, while Truvada is preferred for both treatment and prevention. Both medications can cause kidney and bone problems. Additionally, both medications are available as generics.

  • Atripla
    Truvada
  • Atripla
    Truvada

  • Summary of Atripla vs. Truvada

    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

    Truvada, also known as TDF/FTC, is a combination medication that contains the antiretrovirals emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada is used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis or prevention). This medication works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Truvada tablets are taken by mouth once daily. Side effects when it's used for treating HIV include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. And Truvada side effects when used for PrEP include headache and belly pain.

  • Indications of Atripla vs. Truvada

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    •Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis)

  • Pros and Cons of Atripla vs. Truvada

    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
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP
    •99% effective for preventing HIV infection from sex when used as prescribed for PrEP
    Cons
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
    •Not a complete treatment for HIV (must take one other medication with it)
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
    •More likely to cause bone problems than similar medications

  • Common Side Effects of Atripla vs. Truvada

    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

    HIV treatment Note: Side effects for HIV treatment were reported by people taking Truvada with efavirenz (Sustiva).

    •Higher cholesterol levels (22%)
    •Higher creatine kinase levels (9%)
    •Feeling tired (9%)
    •Depression (9%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Upper respiratory infections (8%)
    •Sinus infection (congestion; 8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    •Headache (6%)

    HIV PrEP (prevention)

    •Headache (7%)
    •Belly pain (4%)
    •Lower weight (3%)

  • Warnings of Atripla vs. Truvada

    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 infection
    •PrEP only for people who test negative for HIV
    •Kidney problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Bone problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Atripla vs. Truvada

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    Learn more about Truvada

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