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Compare Emtriva vs. Sustiva

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

Key takeaways

Emtriva (emtricitabine) and Sustiva (efavirenz) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, but they belong to different classes. Emtriva is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), while Sustiva is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Emtriva is taken once daily and is available as a capsule or oral solution, whereas Sustiva is taken once daily at bedtime on an empty stomach and is available as tablets and capsules. Emtriva is must be used in combination with other HIV medications for both treatment and prevention, but only in combination forms is it approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Sustiva must be used with other HIV medications for treatment of HIV and is not typically used for PrEP and is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. Common side effects of Emtriva include nausea and fatigue, while Sustiva can cause dizziness, rash, and mood changes. Sustiva also has more drug interactions and requires careful monitoring of other medications you may be taking. Both medications require regular lab tests to ensure they are working effectively and safely.

  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Efavirenz (Sustiva)
  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Efavirenz (Sustiva)

  • Summary of Emtriva vs. Sustiva

    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
    Prescription only

    Efavirenz (Sustiva) is a medication that's used in combination with other antiretroviral (ARV) therapy to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It comes as oral tablets and capsules that are swallowed whole. The capsules can also be opened up and sprinkled in liquid for people who have trouble swallowing. Some side effects of this medication are rash, diarrhea, and nausea. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Emtriva vs. Sustiva

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection in people ages 3 months and older

  • Pros and Cons of Emtriva vs. Sustiva

    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
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Capsule form can be opened and sprinkled on soft food or liquid, such as applesauce or milk, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used in young children 3 months and older who weigh over 7.7 lbs
    Cons
    •Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g., nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)
    •Needs to be taken on an empty stomach
    •Not recommended during pregnancy
    •Interacts with a lot of medications

  • Common Side Effects of Emtriva vs. Sustiva

    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

    The following side effects were reported in adults taking this medication with other HIV ARVs. Side effects might differ in children.

    •Rash (5-16%)
    •Diarrhea (3-14%)
    •Pain (1-13%)
    •Higher triglyceride (fat) levels (6-11%)
    •Low white blood cell count (2-10%)
    •Nausea (2-10%)
    •Dizziness (2-9%)
    •Feeling tired (2-8%)
    •Higher liver enzymes (5-8%)
    •Headache (2-8%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (7%)
    •Vomiting (3-6%)
    •Trouble concentrating (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Emtriva vs. Sustiva

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Higher cholesterol levels
    •Changes in body fat
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Sustiva

    Learn more about Emtricitabine
    Learn more about Efavirenz

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