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Compare Emtriva vs. Complera

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

Key takeaways

Emtriva (emtricitabine) and Complera (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both medications used to treat HIV. They both contain emtricitabine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), which helps prevent the virus from making copies of itself. However, they differ in several ways. Emtriva is a single medication that must be used in combination with other HIV antiretrovirals, while Complera is a complete single-tablet regimen that includes two additional medications: rilpivirine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), and tenofovir, another NRTI. Emtriva is available as a capsule and an oral solution, whereas Complera is only available as a tablet that must be taken with food. Complera is not a first-choice option because newer medications have fewer side effects. Common side effects of Emtriva include nausea and fatigue, while Complera can cause mood changes and insomnia. Additionally, Complera has more drug interactions, especially with medications for tuberculosis, seizures, and stomach acid, and it is not recommended for people with kidney problems.

  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Complera
  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Complera

  • Summary of Emtriva vs. Complera

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Emtricitabine (Emtriva) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment and prevention of HIV. It is one of the most common HIV ARVs used around the world.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Complera is a single-tablet regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), rilpivirine (Edurant), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread). It's no longer a first-choice treatment option due to newer agents with fewer side effects.

  • Indications of Emtriva vs. Complera

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Emtriva vs. Complera

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Very effective against HIV, with few side effects
    •Taken only once a day with or without food
    •Available in many combination tablets with other HIV ARVs
    •Available as a capsule and oral solution
    •Can be used in pregnancy and in children right after they are born
    Cons
    •Dose must be adjusted if you have kidney problems
    •Must be used in combination with other HIV ARVs
    •The oral solution is absorbed less than the capsule, so the dose is higher
    •Some people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have worsening of the liver after stopping emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    •Requires regular labs to make sure the medication is working against HIV and to check your kidney and liver
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
    •Can be used in pregnancy at the same dose
    •Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
    •Causes less abnormal dreams when compared to a similar medication Atripla
    •Not associated with weight gain
    Cons
    •Must be taken with food
    •Not recommended for people with kidney problems since the dose can't be adjusted
    •Can't be used if the amount of virus (viral load) is too high
    •There are many medication interactions and it can't be taken with some medications used to treat tuberculosis, seizures, and stomach acid.
    •Can lead to kidney and bone problems

  • Common Side Effects of Emtriva vs. Complera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in labs (30%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Fatigue (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Flu/cold (8%)
    •Runny nose (8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Change in mood, depression (2%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Trouble sleeping, insomnia (2%)

  • Warnings of Emtriva vs. Complera

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS AND TOXICITY
    •DEPRESSION AND CHANGES IN MOOD
    •KIDNEY PROBLEMS
    •BONE PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME

  • Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Complera

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    Learn more about Complera

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