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Compare Epivir vs. Videx

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and didanosine (Videx) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Lamivudine (Epivir) is still available in both brand and generic forms, while didanosine (Videx) has been discontinued in the U.S. due to serious side effects and limited demand. Lamivudine (Epivir) is also used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV), whereas didanosine (Videx) was only used for HIV. Lamivudine (Epivir) is typically taken once or twice daily and can be used in both adults and children, while didanosine (Videx) had more restrictions and interactions with other HIV medications. Common side effects of lamivudine (Epivir) include headache, nausea, and feeling tired, whereas didanosine (Videx) was known for more severe side effects, which contributed to its discontinuation.

  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Didanosine (Videx)
  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Didanosine (Videx)

  • Summary of Epivir vs. Videx

    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 HIV ARV

    Didanosine (Videx) was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. It has a lot of serious side effects that have limited its use in recent years and is no longer available in the U.S.

  • Indications of Epivir vs. Videx

    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

  • Pros and Cons of Epivir vs. Videx

    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 HIV ARV
    Pros
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Epivir vs. Videx

    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

  • Warnings of Epivir vs. Videx

    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Epivir vs. Videx

    Learn more about Lamivudine
    Learn more about Didanosine

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