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Compare Triumeq vs. Tivicay

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

Key takeaways

Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) and Tivicay (dolutegravir) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Triumeq is a combination of three medications: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine, while Tivicay contains only dolutegravir. Triumeq is a complete HIV regimen, but it requires a genetic test before starting due to the risk of a serious allergic reaction. Tivicay, on the other hand, is used as part of a combination therapy for HIV. Triumeq is taken once daily and is suitable for adults and children weighing at least 13 pounds, whereas Tivicay can be taken once or twice daily and is adults and children weighing at least 66 pounds. Both medications can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and headaches, but Triumeq has additional risks such as severe allergic reactions and liver problems. Lastly, Triumeq is not recommended for people with severe liver issues, and Tivicay should not be taken with dofetilide due to the risk of serious side effects.

  • Triumeq
    Tivicay (dolutegravir)
  • Triumeq
    Tivicay (dolutegravir)

  • Summary of Triumeq vs. Tivicay

    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
    Prescription only

    Tivicay (dolutegravir) is a medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Some side effects can include trouble sleeping, tiredness, and headache, but they aren't very common with this medication. Tivicay (dolutegravir) comes as two different formulations: a tablet that you swallow whole and a tablet that you mix in water to make into a liquid solution. Tivicay (dolutegravir) is only available as a brand-name medication; there's no generic at this time.

  • Indications of Triumeq vs. Tivicay

    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection (in people who weigh at least 22 pounds)
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 4 weeks and older

  • Pros and Cons of Triumeq vs. Tivicay

    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
    Pros
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available for adults and children at least 4 weeks old and weighing at least 7 pounds
    •Has an oral tablet formulation that can be dissolved in water and taken as a solution (Tivicay PD), so it's convenient if you have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Interacts with a lot of medications, such as some other HIV medications, anti-seizure medications (e.g., oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)), and antacids
    •Can't take with dofetilide (Tikosyn) because of risk of serious side events
    •Not recommended for use if you have severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Triumeq vs. Tivicay

    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

    The following side effects were reported in adults taking this medication with other HIV ARVs. Side effects might differ in children.

    •Higher lipase levels (up to 11%)
    •Higher blood sugar levels (up to 9%)
    •Higher creatine kinase levels in the blood (up to 7%)
    •Abnormal liver labs (up to 5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 3%)
    •Headache (up to 2%)
    •Feeling tired (up to 2%)

  • Warnings of Triumeq vs. Tivicay

    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
    •Allergic reaction
    •Liver problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Triumeq vs. Tivicay

    Learn more about Triumeq
    Learn more about Tivicay

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