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.
