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Compare Emtriva vs. Triumeq

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

Key takeaways

Emtriva (emtricitabine) and Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) are both medications used to treat HIV, but they belong to different classes and have distinct characteristics. Emtriva is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is used in combination with other HIV medications, while Triumeq is a single-tablet regimen that combines three antiretrovirals: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. Emtriva is available as a capsule and an oral solution, and it is typically taken once a day. Triumeq is also taken once a day but is available as a tablet or a dissolvable tablet for oral suspension. Emtriva is often used in combination tablets for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), although it is not FDA-approved for this use on its own. Triumeq requires genetic testing before use due to the risk of a serious allergic reaction, and it is not recommended for people with severe liver problems. Common side effects of Emtriva include nausea and fatigue, while Triumeq can cause higher blood sugar levels and trouble sleeping. Triumeq also has more drug interactions, such as with antacids and certain seizure medications.

  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Triumeq
  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Triumeq

  • Summary of Emtriva vs. Triumeq

    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

    Triumeq is a single-tablet regimen used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It contains 3 antiretrovirals (ARVs): abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. Triumeq is available as either a tablet or a dissolvable tablet for oral suspension (Triumeq PD), but the two are not the same. Before starting treatment, your provider will require you to get a genetic test to see if you're at risk for developing a serious allergic reaction to this medication.

  • Indications of Emtriva vs. Triumeq

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection (in people who weigh at least 22 pounds)

  • Pros and Cons of Emtriva vs. Triumeq

    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 for complete HIV treatment
    •Combines three medications into one pill for convenience
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available for adults and children at or over 22 lbs
    Cons
    •Dose can't be adjusted so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Not safe to use in severe liver problems
    •Requires a genetic test before starting
    •Interacts with a lot of medications such as St. John’s wort and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

  • Common Side Effects of Emtriva vs. Triumeq

    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
    •Higher lipase levels (suggesting irritated pancreas) (up to 11%)
    •Higher blood sugar levels (up to 9%)
    •Higher creatine kinase levels in the blood (suggesting muscle damage) (up to 7%)
    •Higher fat levels in the blood (up to 6%)
    •Higher white blood cell count (up to 4%)
    •Abnormal liver labs (up to 3%)
    •Trouble sleeping (3%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Feeling tired (2%)

    Please note: The side effects listed above are from clinical trials with Tivicay (dolutegravir) and Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine), which are all active ingredients in Triumeq and Triumeq PD

  • Warnings of Emtriva vs. Triumeq

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
    •Liver problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Triumeq

    Learn more about Emtricitabine
    Learn more about Triumeq

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