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Compare Emtriva vs. Epzicom

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

Key takeaways

Emtriva (emtricitabine) and Epzicom (abacavir/lamivudine) are both medications used to treat HIV. They belong to the same class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by stopping the virus from making copies of itself. Emtriva is a single medication, while Epzicom is a combination of two medications. Emtriva is available as a capsule and an oral solution, whereas Epzicom is available as a tablet. Both medications are often used in combination with other HIV medications for treatent of HIV. Both medications are available in generic form, which can be more affordable. Both medications can cause liver problems and worsening of hepatitis B if stopped suddenly, but Epzicom also requires a genetic test to check for a risk of severe allergic reactions. Common side effects of Emtriva include nausea and fatigue, while Epzicom can cause headaches and nausea.

  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Epzicom
  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Epzicom

  • Summary of Emtriva vs. Epzicom

    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

    Epzicom is a combination medication containing two HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), abacavir (Ziagen) and lamivudine (Epivir). It's used with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV.

  • Indications of Emtriva vs. Epzicom

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Emtriva vs. Epzicom

    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
    •Contains 2 first choice HIV ARV options
    •Convenient dosing (1 tablet, once a day, with or without food)
    •Same dose for everyone weighing more than 55 lbs (25 kg)
    •Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    Cons
    •Dose can't be adjusted so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal
    •Not a good option for people with heart problems
    •People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting Epzicom
    •People with hepatitis B can have worsened hepatitis B if they suddenly stop taking Epzicom

  • Common Side Effects of Emtriva vs. Epzicom

    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
    •Headache (7%)
    •Tiredness and fatigue (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Fever (5%)

  • Warnings of Emtriva vs. Epzicom

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK

  • Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Epzicom

    Learn more about Emtricitabine
    Learn more about Epzicom

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