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Compare Emtriva vs. Trizivir

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

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.

  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Trizivir
  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Trizivir

  • Summary of Emtriva vs. Trizivir

    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

    Trizivir is a combination medication containing three HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs): abacavir (Ziagen), lamivudine (Epivir), and zidovudine (Retrovir). It's not used very commonly anymore.

  • Indications of Emtriva vs. Trizivir

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Emtriva vs. Trizivir

    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
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Combines 3 different HIV medications into 1 tablet
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    •Doesn't affect your kidneys or bone density like some other NRTIs
    •Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B
    Cons
    •Contains 3 HIV ARVs but isn't a full HIV regimen
    •Can cause serious blood and muscle problems
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Emtriva vs. Trizivir

    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
    •Nausea and vomiting (19%)
    •Headache (13%)
    •Tiredness and fatigue (12%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Fevers and/or chills (6%)
    •Depressed mood (6%)

  • Warnings of Emtriva vs. Trizivir

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS
    •MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION

  • Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Trizivir

    Learn more about Emtricitabine
    Learn more about Trizivir

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