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Compare Emtriva vs. Videx

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

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)
    Didanosine (Videx)
  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)
    Didanosine (Videx)

  • Summary of Emtriva vs. Videx

    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

    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.

  • Indications of Emtriva vs. Videx

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for

  • Pros and Cons of Emtriva vs. Videx

    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
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Emtriva vs. Videx

    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

  • Warnings of Emtriva vs. Videx

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Emtriva vs. Videx

    Learn more about Emtricitabine
    Learn more about Didanosine

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