Emtriva vs. Videx for HIV Treatment: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Emtricitabine (Emtriva) and didanosine (Videx) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV, and they belong to the same subclass called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). However, there are several differences between them. Emtricitabine is still widely used and available in both capsule and oral solution forms, while didanosine has been discontinued in the U.S. due to serious side effects and lack of demand. Emtricitabine is a first-choice medication for HIV treatment and is used in combination with other ARVs, whereas didanosine was one of the first ARVs but is no longer available. Emtricitabine is taken once daily and is known for having fewer side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, while didanosine had more severe side effects, which limited its use. Additionally, emtricitabine requires regular lab tests to monitor kidney and liver function, whereas didanosine had significant drug interaction issues that contributed to its discontinuation.

Emtricitabine

(Emtriva)

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Didanosine

(Videx)

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Summary for Emtriva

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.

Indications for Emtriva

HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Emtriva

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

Common Side Effects for Emtriva

Changes in labs (30%)
Nausea (9%)
Fatigue (9%)
Diarrhea (9%)
Dizziness (8%)
Flu/cold (8%)
Runny nose (8%)
Rash (7%)

Warnings for Emtriva

WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
LIVER PROBLEMS

Summary for Videx

Discontinued

Didanosine (Videx) was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. It has a lot of serious side effects that have limited its use in recent years and is no longer available in the U.S.