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Dovato vs. Truvada

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

Key takeaways

Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) and Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Dovato is a complete HIV treatment regimen with just two antiretroviral (ARV) medications, while Truvada must be taken with another HIV medication to be effective for treatment of HIV. Dovato is not used for HIV prevention (PrEP), whereas Truvada is a preferred option for PrEP. Dovato combines an integrase inhibitor and a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), while Truvada contains two NRTIs. Truvada is available as a lower-cost generic, but Dovato does not have a generic form. Both medications are taken once daily, but Dovato has more potential interactions with other medications. Additionally for the treatment of HIV, Dovato is approved for patients 12 years or older and weighing more than 55 pounds kg, while Truvada can be used in children who weigh at least 37 pounds.

Dovato

(dolutegravir / lamivudine)

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Truvada

 

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Summary for Dovato

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.

Indications for Dovato

  • Treatment of HIV infection in adults

Pros and Cons for Dovato

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

Common Side Effects for Dovato

Warnings for Dovato

  • 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

Summary for Truvada

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 for Truvada

Pros and Cons for Truvada

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 for Truvada

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 for Truvada

  • 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 Dovato vs. Truvada

Price Card Drug Icon
Dovato30 tablets / 50mg/300mg
$3,164.87$3,886.62
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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir30 tablets / 200mg/300mg
$27.53$2,099.99
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