Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Genvoya vs. Sustiva

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

Key takeaways

Genvoya (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) and Efavirenz (Sustiva) are both used to treat HIV infections, but they have some key differences. Genvoya is a combination of four medications, including two NRTIs, an INSTI, and a booster, and is taken once daily with food. Efavirenz (Sustiva), on the other hand, is a single NNRTI that is taken once daily at bedtime on an empty stomach. Genvoya is not available as a generic, while Efavirenz (Sustiva) is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Genvoya is not recommended for use during pregnancy, and neither is Efavirenz (Sustiva), which can cause birth defects if taken during the first trimester. Common side effects of Genvoya include nausea and diarrhea, whereas Efavirenz (Sustiva) can cause dizziness, trouble sleeping, and rash. Additionally, Efavirenz (Sustiva) has more potential for serious side effects, such as nerve issues and mood problems, compared to Genvoya.

  • Genvoya
    Efavirenz (Sustiva)
  • Genvoya
    Efavirenz (Sustiva)

  • Summary of Genvoya vs. Sustiva

    Summary for HIV ARV combo
    Prescription only

    Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in adults and children. It's made up of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide; an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) called elvitegravir; and a "booster" medication known as cobicistat. Genvoya is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some common side effects of this medication include nausea and diarrhea. It's not available as a generic medication.

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Efavirenz (Sustiva) is a medication that's used in combination with other antiretroviral (ARV) therapy to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It comes as oral tablets and capsules that are swallowed whole. The capsules can also be opened up and sprinkled in liquid for people who have trouble swallowing. Some side effects of this medication are rash, diarrhea, and nausea. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Genvoya vs. Sustiva

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection in people ages 3 months and older

  • Pros and Cons of Genvoya vs. Sustiva

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV combo
    Pros
    •Is a complete regimen for HIV treatment
    •Only taken once a day
    •Taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken with food
    •Can’t take while pregnant
    •Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Capsule form can be opened and sprinkled on soft food or liquid, such as applesauce or milk, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can be used in young children 3 months and older who weigh over 7.7 lbs
    Cons
    •Has many potentially serious side effects and risks (e.g., nerve issues, irregular heartbeat)
    •Needs to be taken on an empty stomach
    •Not recommended during pregnancy
    •Interacts with a lot of medications

  • Common Side Effects of Genvoya vs. Sustiva

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Diarrhea (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Feeling tired (5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in adults taking this medication with other HIV ARVs. Side effects might differ in children.

    •Rash (5-16%)
    •Diarrhea (3-14%)
    •Pain (1-13%)
    •Higher triglyceride (fat) levels (6-11%)
    •Low white blood cell count (2-10%)
    •Nausea (2-10%)
    •Dizziness (2-9%)
    •Feeling tired (2-8%)
    •Higher liver enzymes (5-8%)
    •Headache (2-8%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (7%)
    •Vomiting (3-6%)
    •Trouble concentrating (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Genvoya vs. Sustiva

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Severe skin and allergic reactions
    •Liver problems
    •Higher cholesterol levels
    •Changes in body fat
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Genvoya vs. Sustiva

    Learn more about Genvoya
    Learn more about Efavirenz

Compare other HIV Treatment drugs

Atripla vs GenvoyaEpivir vs GenvoyaEvotaz vs GenvoyaGenvoya vs CompleraGenvoya vs DescovyGenvoya vs EdurantGenvoya vs SustivaPrezcobix vs GenvoyaPrezista vs GenvoyaTivicay vs GenvoyaZiagen vs GenvoyaEmtriva vs DescovyEpivir vs DescovyEpzicom vs DescovyOdefsey vs DescovyPrezista vs AptivusPrezista vs CrixivanPrezista vs EvotazPrezista vs InvirasePrezista vs KaletraPrezista vs LexivaPrezista vs PrezcobixPrezista vs StribildPrezista vs TriumeqPrezista vs ViraceptRetrovir vs DescovyStribild vs DescovyTruvada vs DescovyViread vs DescovyZiagen vs Descovy
View More

Browse medications

View All

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