Skip to main content

Compare
Triumeq vs. Odefsey

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

Key takeaways

Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) and Odefsey (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide) are both single-tablet regimens used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Triumeq contains three antiretrovirals: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, while Odefsey combines emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Triumeq requires a genetic test before starting to check for a specific trait that could cause a severe allergic reaction, whereas Odefsey does not. Triumeq can be taken with or without food, but Odefsey must be taken with a meal. Triumeq is available in both tablet and dissolvable tablet forms, making it suitable for children as well as adults, while Odefsey is only available as a tablet for adults and children weighing more than 77 lb. Additionally, Triumeq is not recommended for people with severe liver problems. Both medications have potential side effects and interactions with other drugs, so it's important to discuss your full medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider.

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 Odefsey

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.

Indications for Odefsey

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Odefsey

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

Common Side Effects for Odefsey

  • Headache (2%)
  • Sleep problems (2%)

Warnings for Odefsey

  • 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. Odefsey

Price Card Drug Icon
Triumeq30 tablets / 600mg/50mg/300mg
$3,644.18$4,940.63
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Odefsey30 tablets / 200mg/25mg/25mg
$3,524.00$4,929.58
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.