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Compare Epivir vs. Pegasys

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) are both used to treat hepatitis B, but they work differently and have different uses. Lamivudine (Epivir) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) taken orally, while Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is an interferon alpha given as an injection. Lamivudine (Epivir) is also used to treat HIV, whereas Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is used for hepatitis C in combination with other medications. Lamivudine (Epivir) is typically taken once or twice daily, while Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) is injected once a week. Common side effects of lamivudine (Epivir) include headache, nausea, and tiredness, while Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) can cause flu-like symptoms, depression, and serious infections. Lamivudine (Epivir) is available in both brand and generic forms, but Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a) does not have a generic version.

Lamivudine (Epivir)
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Lamivudine (Epivir)
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Summary of Epivir vs. Pegasys
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 Interferon alpha
Prescription 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.
Indications of Epivir vs. Pegasys
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

•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
Pros and Cons of Epivir vs. Pegasys
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 Interferon alpha
Pros

•Given only once per week

•An option for children as young as 5 years old

•Available as a prefilled syringe for easier use

Cons

•Can cause serious side effects, including mental health conditions and risk of serious infection

•No longer recommended for hepatitis C treatment

•Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
Common Side Effects of Epivir vs. Pegasys
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
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%)
Warnings of Epivir vs. Pegasys
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

•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
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Compare Epivir vs. Pegasys

Key takeaways

Summary of Epivir vs. Pegasys

Indications of Epivir vs. Pegasys

Pros and Cons of Epivir vs. Pegasys

Common Side Effects of Epivir vs. Pegasys

Warnings of Epivir vs. Pegasys

Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Pegasys

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