Epivir vs. Videx for HIV Treatment: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Didanosine

(Videx)

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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 Videx

Discontinued

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.