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Compare Epivir vs. Genvoya

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and Genvoya (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Lamivudine (Epivir) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is also used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV), while Genvoya is a combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that includes two NRTIs, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), and a booster. Lamivudine (Epivir) is available in both brand and generic forms and can be taken once or twice daily, whereas Genvoya is taken as a single tablet once daily with food and is not available as a generic. Common side effects of lamivudine (Epivir) include headache, nausea, and fatigue, while Genvoya may cause nausea and diarrhea. Genvoya has more potential drug interactions, such as with certain seizure medications and blood thinners, compared to lamivudine (Epivir), which has fewer interactions. Additionally, Genvoya is not recommended for use during pregnancy, while lamivudine (Epivir) can be considered safe during pregnancy with proper medical guidance.

  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Genvoya
  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Genvoya

  • Summary of Epivir vs. Genvoya

    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

    Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in adults and children. It's made up of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide; an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) called elvitegravir; and a "booster" medication known as cobicistat. Genvoya is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include nausea and diarrhea. It's not available as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Epivir vs. Genvoya

    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
    •Treatment of HIV infection

  • Pros and Cons of Epivir vs. Genvoya

    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
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV treatment
    •Only taken once a day
    •Taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken with food
    •Can’t take while pregnant
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden

  • Common Side Effects of Epivir vs. Genvoya

    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
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Feeling tired (5%)

  • Warnings of Epivir vs. Genvoya

    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
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Genvoya

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