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Triumeq vs. Baraclude

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

Key takeaways

Abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine (Triumeq) and entecavir (Baraclude) are both antiviral medications, but they treat different conditions. Triumeq is a combination medication used to treat HIV infections, while Baraclude is used for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Both medications include nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) as part of their mechanism of action, but Triumeq also contains an integrase inhibitor. Triumeq is available as a tablet and a dissolvable tablet for oral suspension, whereas Baraclude is available as a tablet and a liquid solution. Triumeq is taken once daily and is not recommended for people with severe liver problems, while Baraclude must be taken on an empty stomach and requires dose adjustments for those with kidney issues. Triumeq requires genetic testing before use due to the risk of severe allergic reactions, and it can interact with many medications. Baraclude, on the other hand, is generally well-tolerated but is not recommended for people with both HBV and untreated HIV. Common side effects of Triumeq include headache and trouble sleeping, while Baraclude may cause headache and fatigue.

Triumeq

 

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Entecavir

(Baraclude)

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Summary for Triumeq

Prescription only

Triumeq is a single-tablet regimen used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It contains 3 antiretrovirals (ARVs): abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. Triumeq is available as either a tablet or a dissolvable tablet for oral suspension (Triumeq PD), but the two are not the same. Before starting treatment, your provider will require you to get a genetic test to see if you're at risk for developing a serious allergic reaction to this medication.

Indications for Triumeq

  • Treatment of HIV infection (in people who weigh at least 13 pounds)

Pros and Cons for Triumeq

Pros

  • Only taken once a day for complete HIV treatment
  • Combines three medications into one pill for convenience
  • Can be taken with or without food
  • Available for adults and children at or over 22 lbs

Cons

  • Dose can't be adjusted so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
  • Not safe to use in severe liver problems
  • Requires a genetic test before starting
  • Interacts with a lot of medications such as St. John’s wort and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

Common Side Effects for Triumeq

  • Higher lipase levels (suggesting irritated pancreas) (up to 11%)
  • Higher blood sugar levels (up to 9%)
  • Higher creatine kinase levels in the blood (suggesting muscle damage) (up to 7%)
  • Higher fat levels in the blood (up to 6%)
  • Higher white blood cell count (up to 4%)
  • Abnormal liver labs (up to 3%)
  • Trouble sleeping (3%)
  • Headache (2%)
  • Feeling tired (2%)

Please note: The side effects listed above are from clinical trials with Tivicay (dolutegravir) and Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine), which are all active ingredients in Triumeq and Triumeq PD

Warnings for Triumeq

  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
  • Liver problems
  • Overactive immune system
  • Interaction with other medications

Summary for Baraclude

Prescription only

Entecavir (Baraclude) is a first-choice antiviral medication used for the treatment of hepatitis B. Some side effects of the medication can include headache and fatigue. Entecavir (Baraclude) is available as a tablet and a liquid solution that are typically taken once daily. While both forms of the medication have a brand name, only the tablet has a generic version available as well.

Indications for Baraclude

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Pros and Cons for Baraclude

Pros

  • First-choice medication for hepatitis B
  • Generally mild side effects
  • Not known to have a risk of kidney damage like other hepatitis B medications (e.g., tenofovir (Viread))
  • Can use in children as young as 2 years old
  • Available as a liquid solution for young children and people who have a hard time swallowing tablets

Cons

  • Not a cure for hepatitis B
  • Must take on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before your next meal)
  • Requires dose adjustments for people with kidney problems
  • Not the best option for people who’ve taken lamivudine (Epivir HBV) in the past because of possible viral resistance
  • Not a first-choice option for people with both hepatitis B and HIV

Common Side Effects for Baraclude

Warnings for Baraclude

  • Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping treatment
  • Hepatitis B and HIV co-infection
  • Lactic acidosis and liver problems

Prices with our coupons for Triumeq vs. Baraclude

Price Card Drug Icon
Triumeq30 tablets / 600mg/50mg/300mg
$3,906.39$5,011.89
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Entecavir30 tablets / 0.5mg
$20.29$1,146.44
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