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Compare Epivir vs. Zerit

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

Key takeaways

Lamivudine (Epivir) and stavudine (Zerit) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV in combination with other HIV medications. They belong to the same subclass called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). However, lamivudine (Epivir) is also FDA-approved to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV), while stavudine (Zerit) is not. Lamivudine is available in both brand and generic forms and can be taken as an oral tablet or solution, whereas stavudine has been discontinued in the U.S. due to its serious side effects and lack of demand. Lamivudine is typically taken once or twice daily, while stavudine was also taken orally but is no longer available. Common side effects of lamivudine include headache, nausea, and tiredness, while stavudine was known for more severe side effects, which contributed to its discontinuation. Lamivudine has fewer interactions with other medications compared to stavudine.

  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Stavudine
  • Lamivudine (Epivir)
    Stavudine

  • Summary of Epivir vs. Zerit

    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

    Stavudine 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. Zerit

    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. Zerit

    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. Zerit

    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. Zerit

    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. Zerit

    Learn more about Lamivudine
    Learn more about Stavudine

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