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Compare Triumeq vs. Complera

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

Key takeaways

Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) and Complera (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both single-tablet regimens used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Triumeq contains an integrase inhibitor (dolutegravir) and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (abacavir and lamivudine), while Complera includes a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) (rilpivirine) and two NRTIs (emtricitabine and tenofovir). Triumeq can be taken with or without food, but Complera must be taken with a meal. Triumeq requires a genetic test before starting to check for a risk of serious allergic reactions, whereas Complera does not. Complera is not recommended for people with high viral loads or kidney problems, while Triumeq is not suitable for those with moderate to severe liver issues. Both medications can cause liver problems and immune reconstitution syndrome, but Complera also has specific warnings about kidney and bone problems. Triumeq is available in both tablet and dissolvable tablet for children, while Complera is only available as a tablet.

  • Triumeq
    Complera
  • Triumeq
    Complera

  • Summary of Triumeq vs. Complera

    Summary for HIV ARV
    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.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Complera is a single-tablet regimen containing 3 HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), rilpivirine (Edurant), emtricitabine (Emtriva), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Viread). It's no longer a first-choice treatment option due to newer agents with fewer side effects.

  • Indications of Triumeq vs. Complera

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection (in people who weigh at least 22 pounds)
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Triumeq vs. Complera

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    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)
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full HIV regimen
    •Can be used in pregnancy at the same dose
    •Contains tenofovir, which is also a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis B
    •Causes less abnormal dreams when compared to a similar medication Atripla
    •Not associated with weight gain
    Cons
    •Must be taken with food
    •Not recommended for people with kidney problems since the 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.
    •Can lead to kidney and bone problems

  • Common Side Effects of Triumeq vs. Complera

    Common Side Effects for
    •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

    Common Side Effects for
    •Change in mood, depression (2%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Trouble sleeping, insomnia (2%)

  • Warnings of Triumeq vs. Complera

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
    •Liver problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS AND TOXICITY
    •DEPRESSION AND CHANGES IN MOOD
    •KIDNEY PROBLEMS
    •BONE PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME

  • Prices with our coupons for Triumeq vs. Complera

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