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Epivir vs. Retrovir

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and Zidovudine (Retrovir) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Lamivudine (Epivir) is also used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV), while Zidovudine (Retrovir) is not. Lamivudine (Epivir) is typically taken once or twice daily, whereas Zidovudine (Retrovir) needs to be taken multiple times a day. Zidovudine (Retrovir) is not a first-choice option for most people due to its side effects, which include serious blood, muscle, and liver problems. In contrast, Lamivudine (Epivir) is generally well-tolerated but can cause liver issues and lactic acidosis. Both medications are available in generic forms and can be taken by mouth. Lamivudine (Epivir) can be used in children as young as 3 months for HIV and 2 years for HBV, while Zidovudine (Retrovir) is safe for children and infants for HIV treatment and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Lamivudine

(Epivir)

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Zidovudine

(Retrovir)

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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 Retrovir

Prescription only

Zidovudine (Retrovir) is an HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. It's not a first-choice option for most people due to side effects.

Indications for Retrovir

  • HIV treatment
  • Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT)

Pros and Cons for Retrovir

Pros

  • Passes through the placenta of pregnant women to protect the baby from HIV
  • Safe and effective for children and infants
  • Available as capsule, oral solution, and IV
  • Available in many other HIV ARV combination tablets
  • One of the most affordable generic HIV ARVs currently available

Cons

  • Can cause serious blood, muscle, and liver problems
  • Needs to be taken multiple times a day
  • Dose needs to be adjusted for people with kidney problems
  • Some people experience fat loss in their face, limbs, and butt
  • Not a good HIV ARV option if you are going to be treated with ribavirin for hepatitis C

Common Side Effects for Retrovir

  • Headache (63%)
  • Fatigue and discomfort (53%)
  • Nausea (51%)
  • Anorexia (20%)
  • Vomiting (17%)

Warnings for Retrovir

  • BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS
  • MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS
  • LIVER PROBLEMS
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
  • FAT REDISTRIBUTION

Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Retrovir

Price Card Drug Icon
Lamivudine30 tablets / 100mg of
$101.39$431.32
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Price Card Drug Icon
Zidovudine60 tablets / 300mg of
$34.40$156.47
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