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Trizivir vs. Baraclude

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

Key takeaways

Trizivir (abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine) and Baraclude (entecavir) are both antiviral medications, but they are used to treat different conditions. Trizivir is a combination medication used for HIV treatment, while Baraclude is primarily used for hepatitis B. Both medications belong to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class, but Trizivir combines three NRTIs, whereas Baraclude contains only one. Trizivir is taken as one tablet twice daily, while Baraclude is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach. Trizivir is available in generic form, making it more affordable, whereas only the tablet form of Baraclude has a generic version. Common side effects of Trizivir include nausea, headache, and fatigue, while Baraclude may cause headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Trizivir requires a genetic test before starting due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, and it is not recommended for people with heart problems. Baraclude, on the other hand, is not recommended for those with both hepatitis B and untreated HIV due to potential drug resistance.

Trizivir

 

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Entecavir

(Baraclude)

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Summary for Trizivir

Prescription only

Trizivir is a combination medication containing three HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs): abacavir (Ziagen), lamivudine (Epivir), and zidovudine (Retrovir). It's not used very commonly anymore.

Indications for Trizivir

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Trizivir

Pros

  • Can be taken with or without food
  • Combines 3 different HIV medications into 1 tablet
  • Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
  • Doesn't affect your kidneys or bone density like some other NRTIs
  • Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B

Cons

  • Contains 3 HIV ARVs but isn't a full HIV regimen
  • Can cause serious blood and muscle problems
  • Dose can't be adjusted so it's not recommended for people with kidney or liver problems
  • Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal
  • Not a good option for people with heart problems

Common Side Effects for Trizivir

  • Nausea and vomiting (19%)
  • Headache (13%)
  • Tiredness and fatigue (12%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)
  • Fevers and/or chills (6%)
  • Depressed mood (6%)

Warnings for Trizivir

  • SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
  • BLOOD AND BONE MARROW PROBLEMS
  • MUSCLE PAIN AND WEAKNESS
  • LIVER PROBLEMS
  • WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
  • HEART ATTACK
  • FAT REDISTRIBUTION

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 Trizivir vs. Baraclude

Price Card Drug Icon
Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine30 tablets / 300mg/150mg/300mg
$917.85$917.85
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Price Card Drug Icon
Entecavir30 tablets / 0.5mg
$20.29$1,146.44
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