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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)

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Genvoya

 

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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 Genvoya

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 for Genvoya

Pros and Cons for Genvoya

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 for Genvoya

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

Warnings for Genvoya

  • 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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Lamivudine30 tablets / 100mg
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Genvoya30 tablets / 150mg/150mg/200mg/10mg
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