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Epivir vs. Pegasys

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.

• 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

• 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%)

• 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

Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is an interferon alpha. It's used to treat chronic (long-term) hepatitis B and hepatitis C in children and adults, sometimes in combination with other antivirals. Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is injected under the skin, typically once per week. The most common side effects of this medication include tiredness, headache, and fever.

• Long-term hepatitis C in people ages 5 years and older (in combination with other medications)
• Long-term hepatitis B in people ages 3 years and older

Adults

• Tiredness/fatigue (56%)
• Headache (54%)
• Muscle pain (37%)
• Fever (37%)
• Chills (35%)
• Joint pain (28%)
• Nausea/vomiting (24%)
• Hair loss (23%)
• Pain, swelling, or redness at injection site (22%)
• Anxious/nervousness (19%)
• Difficulty sleeping (19%)
• Depression (18%)
• Loss of appetite (17%)
• Diarrhea (16%)
• Dizziness (16%)
• Stomach pain (15%)
• Itching (12%)
• Pain (11%)

Children

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, short of breath) (81%)
• Stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain) (44%)
• Pain, swelling, or redness at injection site (42%)
• Headache (39%)
• Muscle pain (29%)
• Tiredness/weakness (20%)
• Irritated/angry feeling (14%)
• Itching (12%)
• Difficulty sleeping (12%)
• Rash (10%)

• Potential harm or death to your unborn baby
• Mental health problems
• Autoimmune disorders
• Stroke or bleeding in the brain
• Infections
• Numbness or pain in your hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
• Worsening liver problems and liver failure
• Heart problems
• Low blood cell counts
• Hormone problems
• Eye and vision problems
• Lung problems
• Intestine and pancreas problems
• Delayed growth in children
• Severe allergic and skin reactions