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Epzicom vs. Truvada

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

Key takeaways

Epzicom (abacavir/lamivudine) and Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both combination medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Epzicom is taken once daily and contains abacavir and lamivudine, both of which are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Truvada, also taken once daily, contains emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, which are also NRTIs. Both are not a complete treatment for HIV and must be combined with another medication. One major difference is that Truvada is also approved for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), while Epzicom is not. Epzicom requires a genetic test before use due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, whereas Truvada does not. Additionally, Truvada can cause bone and kidney problems, which are less common with Epzicom. Both medications can worsen hepatitis B if stopped suddenly, but Truvada requires more frequent monitoring of kidney function. Both are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

Epzicom

 

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Truvada

 

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Summary for Epzicom

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.

Indications for Epzicom

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Epzicom

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

Common Side Effects for Epzicom

  • Headache (7%)
  • Tiredness and fatigue (6%)
  • Dizziness (6%)
  • Nausea (5%)
  • Diarrhea (5%)
  • Rash (5%)
  • Fever (5%)

Warnings for Epzicom

  • SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
  • WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
  • LIVER PROBLEMS
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
  • HEART ATTACK

Summary for Truvada

Prescription only

Truvada, also known as TDF/FTC, is a combination medication that contains the antiretrovirals emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada is used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis or prevention). This medication works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Truvada tablets are taken by mouth once daily. Side effects when it's used for treating HIV include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. And Truvada side effects when used for PrEP include headache and belly pain.

Indications for Truvada

Pros and Cons for Truvada

Pros

  • Only taken once a day
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP
  • 99% effective for preventing HIV infection from sex when used as prescribed for PrEP

Cons

  • Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
  • 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
  • More likely to cause bone problems than similar medications

Common Side Effects for Truvada

HIV treatment Note: Side effects for HIV treatment were reported by people taking Truvada with efavirenz (Sustiva).

  • Higher cholesterol levels (22%)
  • Higher creatine kinase levels (9%)
  • Feeling tired (9%)
  • Depression (9%)
  • Nausea (9%)
  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Upper respiratory infections (8%)
  • Sinus infection (congestion; 8%)
  • Rash (7%)
  • Headache (6%)

HIV PrEP (prevention)

  • Headache (7%)
  • Belly pain (4%)
  • Lower weight (3%)

Warnings for Truvada

  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection
  • PrEP only for people who test negative for HIV
  • Kidney problems
  • Overactive immune system
  • Bone problems
  • Liver problems and lactic acidosis
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Epzicom vs. Truvada

Price Card Drug Icon
Abacavir/Lamivudine90 tablets / 600mg/300mg of
$108.53$2,921.98
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Emtricitabine/Tenofovir30 tablets / 200mg/300mg
$23.88$2,010.99
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