Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Dovato vs. Atripla

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

Key takeaways

Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) and Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Dovato combines two antiretrovirals (ARVs) into one pill, while Atripla combines three ARVs. Dovato is a first-choice treatment option and is taken once daily, with or without food. In contrast, Atripla is no longer a first-choice treatment due to its side effects and must be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. Dovato can cause weight gain, while Atripla is not associated with weight gain but can lead to kidney and bone problems. Dovato and Atripla should be avoided by those with liver and kidney problems. Both medications can cause serious side effects, including liver problems and immune reconstitution syndrome, but Atripla also has notable mental health and central nervous system effects.

  • Dovato (dolutegravir / lamivudine)
    Atripla
  • Dovato (dolutegravir / lamivudine)
    Atripla

  • Summary of Dovato vs. Atripla

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Dovato (dolutegravir / lamivudine) is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's considered a complete HIV treatment regimen with only two antiretroviral (ARV) medications: dolutegravir and lamivudine. One of the benefits of Dovato (dolutegravir / lamivudine) is that it combines two medications into a single tablet so it's convenient to take. Possible side effects of Dovato (dolutegravir / lamivudine) can include headache and weight gain, but they aren't very common with this medication.

    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.

  • Indications of Dovato vs. Atripla

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection in adults
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Dovato vs. Atripla

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •First-choice treatment option for most adults starting HIV medications
    •Only contains two ARVs and is considered a complete HIV treatment regimen, which is less medications than other complete regimens
    •Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Interacts with a lot of medications, such as anti-seizure medications (e.g., oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)), metformin, and antacids
    •Can't take with dofetilide (Tikosyn) because of risk of serious side effects
    •Not approved for use in children
    •Not recommended for use if you have severe kidney or liver problems
    •Shouldn't use if you have both HIV and hepatitis B (HBV)
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Dovato vs. Atripla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher blood sugar levels (up to 11%)
    •Lower phosphate levels (up to 11%)
    •Higher creatine kinase levels in the blood (up to 8%)
    •Higher lipase levels (up to 7%)
    •Abnormal liver labs (up to 5%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Weight gain (3%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Trouble sleeping (2%)
    •Feeling tired (2%)
    •Anxiety (2%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Dovato vs. Atripla

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection if you have HIV and hepatitis B
    •Allergic reaction
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interaction with other medications
    •Harm to unborn baby
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Dovato vs. Atripla

    Learn more about Dovato
    Learn more about Atripla

Compare other HIV Treatment drugs

Dovato vs AtriplaDovato vs BiktarvyDovato vs JulucaDovato vs OdefseyDovato vs TruvadaAtripla vs BiktarvyAtripla vs GenvoyaAtripla vs StribildAtripla vs SymfiAtripla vs TriumeqAtripla vs TruvadaEpzicom vs TruvadaOdefsey vs AtriplaOdefsey vs CompleraOdefsey vs DescovyOdefsey vs EdurantOdefsey vs TruvadaTriumeq vs BiktarvyTriumeq vs JulucaTriumeq vs OdefseyTriumeq vs TruvadaTruvada vs DescovyTruvada vs EdurantTruvada vs EmtrivaTruvada vs EpivirTruvada vs SustivaTruvada vs VidexTruvada vs VireadTruvada vs ZiagenVemlidy vs Truvada
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.