Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Epzicom vs. Descovy

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

Key takeaways

Epzicom (abacavir/lamivudine) and Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both combination medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Epzicom is made up of abacavir and lamivudine, while Descovy contains emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. They are both used with other HIV antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV. Epzicom is taken once daily and is available in generic form, making it more affordable. However, it requires a genetic test before use due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction and is not recommended for people with heart problems. Descovy is also taken once daily and is preferred for HIV prevention (PrEP) but is not effective for females at risk through receptive vaginal sex. Unlike Epzicom, Descovy is safer for the kidneys and bones but requires regular blood tests to monitor kidney health. Both medications can worsen hepatitis B if stopped suddenly, so you should always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes.

  • Epzicom
    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)
  • Epzicom
    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide)

  • Summary of Epzicom vs. Descovy

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Epzicom is a combination medication containing two HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), abacavir (Ziagen) and lamivudine (Epivir). It's used with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide), also known as FTC/TAF, is a combination antiretroviral. It's used as part of an antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Typically, this medication is taken by mouth once daily. Some common side effects of Descovy (emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) include nausea and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Epzicom vs. Descovy

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    •Prevention of HIV infection (PrEP) through sexual intercourse, except for receptive vaginal sex

  • Pros and Cons of Epzicom vs. Descovy

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Contains 2 first choice HIV ARV options
    •Convenient dosing (1 tablet, once a day, with or without food)
    •Same dose for everyone weighing more than 55 lbs (25 kg)
    •Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    Cons
    •Dose can't be adjusted so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal
    •Not a good option for people with heart problems
    •People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting Epzicom
    •People with hepatitis B can have worsened hepatitis B if they suddenly stop taking Epzicom
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP
    •Safer for the kidneys and bones compared to Truvada, another PrEP medication
    Cons
    •Not a complete treatment for HIV (must take one other medication with it)
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your kidneys are healthy

  • Common Side Effects of Epzicom vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7%)
    •Tiredness and fatigue (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Fever (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nausea (4%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Descovy alone for PrEP.

  • Warnings of Epzicom vs. Descovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •PrEP only for people who test negative for HIV
    •Kidney problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Epzicom vs. Descovy

    Learn more about Epzicom
    Learn more about Descovy

Compare other HIV Treatment drugs

Emtriva vs EpzicomEpzicom vs BaracludeEpzicom vs CombivirEpzicom vs DescovyEpzicom vs TriumeqEpzicom vs TruvadaVidex vs EpzicomViread vs EpzicomZiagen vs EpzicomAtripla vs TriumeqEmtriva vs BaracludeEmtriva vs TriumeqEpivir vs TriumeqEvotaz vs TriumeqPrezcobix vs TriumeqPrezista vs TriumeqRetrovir vs TriumeqTriumeq vs BaracludeTriumeq vs BiktarvyTriumeq vs CompleraTriumeq vs JulucaTriumeq vs OdefseyTriumeq vs TivicayTriumeq vs TruvadaTrizivir vs BaracludeVemlidy vs BaracludeVidex vs BaracludeVidex vs TriumeqViread vs BaracludeZiagen vs Baraclude
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.