Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Combivir

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Epivir

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.

Indications for Epivir

  • 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

Pros and Cons for Epivir

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

Common Side Effects for Epivir

  • 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%)

Warnings for Epivir

  • 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

Summary for Combivir

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 for Combivir

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Combivir

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 for Combivir

  • 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 for Combivir

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Lamivudine30 tablets / 100mg of
$101.39$431.32
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Lamivudine/Zidovudine60 tablets / 150mg/300mg
$43.44$632.66
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other HIV Treatment drugs

Epivir vs. CombivirEpivir vs. DescovyEpivir vs. GenvoyaEpivir vs. HepseraEpivir vs. Intron-a
Epivir vs. PegasysEpivir vs. RetrovirEpivir vs. StribildEpivir vs. TriumeqEpivir vs. VidexEpivir vs. ZeritTivicay vs. EpivirTruvada vs. EpivirEmtriva vs. DescovyEmtriva vs. RetrovirEpzicom vs. CombivirEpzicom vs. DescovyGenvoya vs. DescovyHepsera vs. Intron-aHepsera vs. PegasysOdefsey vs. DescovyRetrovir vs. CombivirRetrovir vs. DescovyStribild vs. DescovyTruvada vs. DescovyVemlidy vs. HepseraViread vs. DescovyViread vs. HepseraZiagen vs. CombivirZiagen vs. Descovy

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.