Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Odefsey (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide) and Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both single-tablet regimens used to treat HIV. Odefsey contains a newer form of tenofovir, which is safer for your kidneys and bones compared to the tenofovir in Atripla. Odefsey must be taken with a meal, while Atripla should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime to avoid side effects like dizziness and headache. Atripla is available as a generic, making it more affordable, but it is no longer a first-choice treatment due to its side effects. Both medications can cause kidney and bone problems, but Odefsey is considered safer in these aspects. Additionally, Atripla has more common side effects like mood changes and abnormal dreams, whereas Odefsey has fewer side effects overall.
Odefsey
Atripla
Odefsey
Atripla
Summary of Odefsey vs. Atripla
Summary for HIV ARV Combo
Prescription only
Odefsey is a single-tablet-regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), rilpivirine (Edurant), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir AF (Vemlidy). It's similar to Complera, but contains a newer version of tenofovir which causes less harmful effects on your kidneys and bones.
Summary for HIV ARV
Prescription only
Atripla is a combination antiviral medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It's a tablet that has three active ingredients: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Atripla is for adults and children who weigh at least 88 lbs. You take it once a day by mouth on an empty stomach. Some side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and depression. The brand name Atripla isn't sold anymore, but you can still get this medication as a generic.
Indications of Odefsey vs. Atripla
Indications for
•HIV treatment
Indications for
•HIV treatment
Pros and Cons of Odefsey vs. Atripla
Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
Pros
•1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
•Safer for your kidneys and bones when compared to Complera
•Can be used in pregnancy at the same dose
•Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
•Not too many side effects
Cons
•Must be taken with a light meal
•Dose can't be adjusted
•Can't be used if the amount of virus (viral load) is too high
•There are many medication interactions and it can't be taken with some medications used to treat tuberculosis, seizures, and stomach acid.
•Not a first-choice treatment option for people new to HIV medications
Pros and Const for HIV ARV
Pros
•Is a full HIV treatment regimen
•Combines 3 HIV medications into 1 tablet for convenience
•Taken once a day
•Not likely to cause weight gain
•Okay for children weighing at least 88 lbs to take
Cons
•Must take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime
•Might have strange dreams while taking
•Interacts with other medications, including some other HIV medications and hepatitis C medications
•Risk of kidney and bone problems
•Not recommended for people with moderate or severe kidney or liver problems