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Sustiva vs. Edurant

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

Key takeaways

Efavirenz (Sustiva) and rilpivirine (Edurant) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is available in both brand-name and generic forms, while rilpivirine (Edurant) is only available as a brand-name medication. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is taken on an empty stomach at bedtime to reduce side effects, whereas rilpivirine (Edurant) must be taken with a meal. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is approved for use in children as young as 3 months old, while rilpivirine (Edurant) is only approved for children 12 years and older who weigh at least 77 pounds. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects, but rilpivirine (Edurant) is considered safe to use during pregnancy. Both medications can cause serious side effects, but efavirenz (Sustiva) has a higher risk of nerve and mental health issues, while rilpivirine (Edurant) has a higher risk of severe skin reactions.

Efavirenz

(Sustiva)

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Edurant

(rilpivirine)

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Summary for Sustiva

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 for Sustiva

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

Pros and Cons for Sustiva

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 for Sustiva

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 for Sustiva

  • 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

Summary for Edurant

Prescription only

Edurant (rilpivirine) is a once-daily antiretroviral medication that's taken by mouth and is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It's approved for use in adults and children. Edurant (rilpivirine) is taken with other antiretroviral medications when it's used for certain people who've never had HIV treatment before. Edurant (rilpivirine) can also be used for a short period of time before starting Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine). Side effects of Edurant (rilpivirine) can include depression, headache, and trouble sleeping.

Indications for Edurant

  • Treatment of HIV-1 infection in people 2 years and older, weighing at least 30 pounds, with an HIV viral load of less than 100,000 copies/mL and who haven't taken HIV medications before
  • Short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in certain people ages 12 years and older, weighing at least 77 pounds, who are planning to start or planning to miss a dose of Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine)

Pros and Cons for Edurant

Pros

  • Taken by mouth once a day, so it's convenient for people with a busy schedule
  • Can use in people with mild-to-moderate kidney and liver problems
  • Safe to use during pregnancy

Cons

  • Can cause some allergic skin reactions
  • Must take with a meal
  • Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Edurant

Warnings for Edurant

  • Severe skin reactions and allergic reactions
  • Liver problems
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Overactive immune system
  • Interaction with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Sustiva vs. Edurant

Price Card Drug Icon
Efavirenz30 tablets / 600mg of
$46.13$1,326.48
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Price Card Drug Icon
Rilpivirine30 tablets / 25mg of
$408.82$1,272.11
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