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Compare Epivir vs. Hepsera

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and adefovir (Hepsera) are both antiviral medications, but they have some key differences. Lamivudine (Epivir) is used to treat both HIV and hepatitis B, while adefovir (Hepsera) is only used for hepatitis B. Lamivudine (Epivir) is available in both brand and generic forms, whereas adefovir (Hepsera) also has a generic version. Lamivudine (Epivir) is typically taken once or twice daily, while adefovir (Hepsera) is taken once daily. One major difference is that adefovir (Hepsera) is not a first-choice treatment for hepatitis B because the virus can become resistant to it over time. In contrast, lamivudine (Epivir) is considered a complete treatment for hepatitis B but must be used with other medications to treat HIV. Both medications can cause serious side effects like liver problems and lactic acidosis, but adefovir (Hepsera) has a higher risk of kidney damage, especially with long-term use.

  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Adefovir (Hepsera)
  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Adefovir (Hepsera)

  • Summary of Epivir vs. Hepsera

    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 Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Adefovir (Hepsera) is an antiviral medication that's used for the treatment of hepatitis B in people age 12 and older. It's not a first-choice treatment option because the virus can become resistant to adefovir (Hepsera), meaning the medication might stop working well over time. Adefovir (Hepsera) is available as a brand-name and generic tablet that's typically taken once daily. Some side effects of the medication can include weakness, headache, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Epivir vs. Hepsera

    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
    •Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

  • Pros and Cons of Epivir vs. Hepsera

    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 Antiviral
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication to treat hepatitis B
    •High risk of viral resistance to the medication
    •Might cause buildup of lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis)

  • Common Side Effects of Epivir vs. Hepsera

    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
    •Weakness or lack of energy (13%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Nausea (5%)

  • Warnings of Epivir vs. Hepsera

    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 after stopping treatment
    •Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection
    •Kidney problems
    •Lactic acidosis and liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Hepsera

    Learn more about Lamivudine
    Learn more about Adefovir

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