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Compare Retrovir vs. Combivir

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

  • Zidovudine (Retrovir)
    Combivir
  • Zidovudine (Retrovir)
    Combivir

  • Summary of Retrovir vs. Combivir

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Zidovudine (Retrovir) is an HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission. It's not a first-choice option for most people due to side effects.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

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

  • Indications of Retrovir vs. Combivir

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    •Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT)
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Retrovir vs. Combivir

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Passes through the placenta of pregnant women to protect the baby from HIV
    •Safe and effective for children and infants
    •Available as capsule, oral solution, and IV
    •Available in many other HIV ARV combination tablets
    •One of the most affordable generic HIV ARVs currently available
    Cons
    •Can cause serious blood, muscle, and liver problems
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Dose needs to be adjusted for people with kidney problems
    •Some people experience fat loss in their face, limbs, and butt
    •Not a good HIV ARV option if you are going to be treated with ribavirin for hepatitis C
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Two HIV ARVs in one tablet so you don't have to take as many pills
    •Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    •The recommended dose is the same for everyone who weighs at least 30 kg
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken twice daily
    •Contains zidovudine, which can cause serious blood and muscle problems
    •Not a good option if you have kidney or liver problems since the dose can't be adjusted
    •Some people experience fat loss in their face, limbs, and buttocks
    •Not a good HIV ARV option if you are going to be treated with ribavirin for hepatitis C

  • Common Side Effects of Retrovir vs. Combivir

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (63%)
    •Fatigue and discomfort (53%)
    •Nausea (51%)
    •Anorexia (20%)
    •Vomiting (17%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (35%)
    •Nausea (33%)
    •Fatigue/tiredness (27%)
    •Runny nose and congestion (20%)
    •Cough (18%)
    •Diarrhea (18%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (13%)
    •Muscle and nerve pain (12%)
    •Insomnia/difficulty sleeping (11%)

  • Warnings of Retrovir vs. Combivir

    Common Side Effects for
    •BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS
    •MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION
    Common Side Effects for
    •BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS
    •MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •PANCREATITIS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •FAT REDISTRIBUTION

  • Prices with our coupons for Retrovir vs. Combivir

    Learn more about Zidovudine
    Learn more about Combivir

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