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Epivir vs. Descovy

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and characteristics. Lamivudine (Epivir) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used for treating both HIV and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, though it is not interchangeable between its brands for these conditions. Descovy, a combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, is also an NRTI but is used with other HIV medications for HIV treatment or by itself as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, except for receptive vaginal sex. Lamivudine is available in both tablet and oral solution forms, while Descovy is available as a tablet. Common side effects of lamivudine include headache, nausea, and fatigue, whereas Descovy may cause nausea and diarrhea. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor for side effects, but Descovy has specific interactions with other medications that can affect its effectiveness. Additionally, while lamivudine is available in generic form, Descovy is not.

Lamivudine

(Epivir)

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Descovy

(emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)

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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 Descovy

Prescription only

Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription antiretroviral pill used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It's FDA approved for use with other HIV medications to treat HIV in adults and children. It's also approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV in adults and teens. You take it once a day by mouth, with or without food. Some common side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

Indications for Descovy

  • HIV treatment, in combination with other HIV medications - adults and children
  • Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP) - adults and teens

Pros and Cons for Descovy

Pros

Cons

  • Not approved for PrEP in people at risk from vaginal sex
  • Common side effects are diarrhea and nausea
  • Requires regular lab tests

Common Side Effects for Descovy

  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Nausea (4%)

Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) alone for PrEP.

Warnings for Descovy

  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection
  • Take extra steps to prevent HIV when used for PrEP
  • Overactive immune system
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems and lactic acidosis

Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Descovy

Price Card Drug Icon
Lamivudine30 tablets / 100mg
$101.39-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Descovy30 tablets / 200mg/25mg
$2,157.90$2,809.99
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