Skip to main content

Compare
Epivir vs. Intron A

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) are both used to treat chronic hepatitis B, but they belong to different medication classes. Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is also used to treat HIV infections in combination with other HIV medications, while interferon alfa-2b is a biologic used for certain cancers and viral infections, including hepatitis C and genital warts. Lamivudine is taken orally, typically once or twice daily, and is available in both brand and generic forms. In contrast, interferon alfa-2b was an injectable medication, but it has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States. Common side effects of lamivudine include headache, nausea, and fatigue, whereas interferon alfa-2b could cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and depression. Lamivudine has few drug interactions, but it requires regular blood tests to monitor liver and kidney health. Interferon alfa-2b, on the other hand, was known for its potential to cause more severe side effects and required careful monitoring.

Lamivudine

(Epivir)

Get free coupons

Intron A

(interferon alfa-2b)

Get free coupons

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 Intron A

Discontinued

Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) is an injectable medication that's used to treat various types of cancer and viral infections. Depending on the condition, this medication can be injected into the muscle, under the skin, into a vein, or into an area of skin growth. Intron A (interferon alfa-2b) has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States. Your healthcare provider will help guide you to other treatment options.

Indications for Intron A

Certain cancers:

  • Hairy cell leukemia
  • Melanoma
  • Follicular lymphoma
  • Kaposi's sarcoma in people with AIDs (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

Certain viral infections:

  • Genital warts
  • Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and C

Pros and Cons for Intron A

Pros

Cons

Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Intron A

Price Card Drug Icon
Lamivudine30 tablets / 100mg of
$101.39-
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Intron A1 vial / 3.8ml of 3 million IU/0.5ml
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other HIV Treatment and Leukemia drugs

Epivir vs. CombivirEpivir vs. DescovyEpivir vs. GenvoyaEpivir vs. HepseraEpivir vs. Intron-a
Epivir vs. PegasysEpivir vs. RetrovirEpivir vs. StribildEpivir vs. TriumeqEpivir vs. VidexEpivir vs. ZeritTivicay vs. EpivirTruvada vs. EpivirAtripla vs. GenvoyaAtripla vs. StribildEvotaz vs. GenvoyaGenvoya vs. CompleraGenvoya vs. DescovyGenvoya vs. EdurantGenvoya vs. SustivaHepsera vs. Intron-aHepsera vs. PegasysPrezcobix vs. GenvoyaPrezista vs. GenvoyaTivicay vs. GenvoyaVemlidy vs. HepseraVemlidy vs. PegasysViread vs. HepseraViread vs. PegasysZiagen vs. Genvoya

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.