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Compare Epivir vs. Combivir

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and lamivudine/zidovudine (Combivir) are both medications used to treat HIV, and they belong to the class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). While both medications contain lamivudine, they differ in several ways. Lamivudine (Epivir) is available as a single medication and is also used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV), whereas Combivir is a combination medication that includes zidovudine and is only used for HIV treatment. Lamivudine (Epivir) can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated, while Combivir is taken twice daily. Combivir is available in generic form, which can make it more affordable, while lamivudine (Epivir) is available in both brand and generic forms. Common side effects for both medications include headache, nausea, and tiredness, but Combivir can also cause serious blood and muscle problems due to the presence of zidovudine. Additionally, Combivir is not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems, whereas lamivudine (Epivir) requires dose adjustments for those with kidney issues. Both medications can be taken with or without food, but it's important to take them consistently and not stop without consulting your healthcare provider.

  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Combivir
  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Combivir

  • Summary of Epivir vs. Combivir

    Summary for Antiretroviral (ARV)
    Prescription only

    Lamivudine (Epivir), also known as 3TC, is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It's available as Epivir to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and Epivir HBV to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV). Both brands and their generic formulations can be used in adults and children. But they're not interchangeable so you can't take one brand in place of another. Lamivudine (Epivir) is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Some common side effects of this medication include headache, nausea, and feeling tired.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Combivir is a combination medication containing two HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), lamivudine (Epivir) and zidovudine (Retrovir). It's used with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV.

  • Indications of Epivir vs. Combivir

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection for people ages 3 months and older - brand and generic Epivir only
    •Treatment of chronic (long-term) hepatitis B for people ages 2 years and older - brand and generic Epivir HBV only
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Epivir vs. Combivir

    Pros and Const for Antiretroviral (ARV)
    Pros
    •Epivir HBV is considered a complete HBV treatment
    •Can take with or without food
    •Few interactions with other medications or supplements
    •Available in an oral solution form
    Cons
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop it all of a sudden
    •Oral solution contains sucrose (a sweetener), which shouldn't be used for people with diabetes
    •Epivir needs to be used with other ARVs to treat HIV
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Two HIV ARVs in one tablet so you don't have to take as many pills
    •Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    •The recommended dose is the same for everyone who weighs at least 30 kg
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken twice daily
    •Contains zidovudine, which can cause serious blood and muscle problems
    •Not a good option if you have kidney or liver problems since the dose can't be adjusted
    •Some people experience fat loss in their face, limbs, and buttocks
    •Not a good HIV ARV option if you are going to be treated with ribavirin for hepatitis C

  • Common Side Effects of Epivir vs. Combivir

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (35%)
    •Nausea (33%)
    •Feeling tired (27%)
    •Runny nose and congestion (20%)
    •Cough (18%)
    •Diarrhea (18%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (13%)
    •Nerve pain (12%)
    •Muscle pain (12%)
    •Trouble sleeping (11%)
    •Fever or chills (10%)
    •Lack of appetite (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (35%)
    •Nausea (33%)
    •Fatigue/tiredness (27%)
    •Runny nose and congestion (20%)
    •Cough (18%)
    •Diarrhea (18%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (13%)
    •Muscle and nerve pain (12%)
    •Insomnia/difficulty sleeping (11%)

  • Warnings of Epivir vs. Combivir

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of infection if you have HIV and hepatitis B
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Pancreas problems
    •Overactive immune system - Epivir only
    •Interaction with sorbitol - Epivir oral solution only
    Common Side Effects for
    •BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS
    •MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •PANCREATITIS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION

  • Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Combivir

    Learn more about Lamivudine
    Learn more about Combivir

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