Key takeaways
Emtriva (emtricitabine) and Trizivir (abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine) 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. However, they have several differences. Emtriva is a single medication that must be used with other HIV medications, while Trizivir combines three HIV medications into one tablet. Emtriva is taken once a day, either as a capsule or an oral solution, while Trizivir is taken as a tablet twice a day. Emtriva is available as a generic, but Trizivir is no longer available in the US. Common side effects of Emtriva include nausea and fatigue, while Trizivir can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Trizivir requires a genetic test before use due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, and it is not recommended for people with heart problems. Emtriva requires dose adjustments for people with kidney problems. Both medications can cause liver problems and should not be stopped without consulting a healthcare provider.
