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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)

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Adefovir

(Hepsera)

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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 Hepsera

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 for Hepsera

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Pros and Cons for Hepsera

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 for Hepsera

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

Warnings for Hepsera

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Lamivudine30 tablets / 100mg of
$101.39$438.30
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Price Card Drug Icon
Adefovir3 bottles / 30 tablets of 10mg
$759.30$3,799.42
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