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Truvada vs. Ziagen

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

Key takeaways

Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and Ziagen (abacavir) are both medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Truvada is a combination of two drugs and is also used for HIV prevention (PrEP), while Ziagen is used only for treatment. Truvada is taken once daily, whereas Ziagen can be taken once or twice daily. Before starting Ziagen, you need a genetic test to check for a risk of severe allergic reactions, which isn't required for Truvada. Truvada can cause kidney and bone problems, while Ziagen is safer for people with severe kidney issues but not recommended for those with heart problems. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and headache, but Ziagen has a specific risk of life-threatening allergic reactions.

Truvada

 

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Abacavir

(Ziagen)

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Summary for Truvada

Prescription only

Truvada, also known as TDF/FTC, is a combination medication that contains the antiretrovirals emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Truvada is used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in adults and children. It's also preferred for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis or prevention). This medication works against HIV by stopping the virus from making copies of itself and spreading. Truvada tablets are taken by mouth once daily. Side effects when it's used for treating HIV include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. And Truvada side effects when used for PrEP include headache and belly pain.

Indications for Truvada

Pros and Cons for Truvada

Pros

  • Only taken once a day
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Is a complete regimen for HIV PrEP
  • 99% effective for preventing HIV infection from sex when used as prescribed for PrEP

Cons

  • Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
  • Not a complete treatment for HIV (must take one other medication with it)
  • Can worsen hepatitis B if you stop taking the medication all of a sudden
  • More likely to cause bone problems than similar medications

Common Side Effects for Truvada

HIV treatment Note: Side effects for HIV treatment were reported by people taking Truvada with efavirenz (Sustiva).

  • Higher cholesterol levels (22%)
  • Higher creatine kinase levels (9%)
  • Feeling tired (9%)
  • Depression (9%)
  • Nausea (9%)
  • Diarrhea (9%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Upper respiratory infections (8%)
  • Sinus infection (congestion; 8%)
  • Rash (7%)
  • Headache (6%)

HIV PrEP (prevention)

  • Headache (7%)
  • Belly pain (4%)
  • Lower weight (3%)

Warnings for Truvada

  • Worsening of hepatitis B infection
  • PrEP only for people who test negative for HIV
  • Kidney problems
  • Overactive immune system
  • Bone problems
  • Liver problems and lactic acidosis
  • Interaction with other medications

Summary for Ziagen

Prescription only

Abacavir (Ziagen) is a first choice HIV antiretroviral (ARV) used in combination with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV. It requires a genetic test before you start taking it because it can cause a severe allergic reaction.

Indications for Ziagen

  • HIV treatment

Pros and Cons for Ziagen

Pros

  • It's the only NRTI that can be used safely at the same dose in people with severe kidney problems
  • Available in many other HIV ARV combination tablets
  • Not many drug interactions
  • Can be used in children aged 3 months and older
  • Available as a tablet and oral solution

Cons

  • Requires a genetic test called HLA-B 5701 because the allergic reaction can be fatal
  • Cannot be taken by anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to abacavir (Ziagen)
  • Not a good option for people with heart problems
  • Can't be used in people with severe liver problems
  • People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting abacavir (Ziagen)

Common Side Effects for Ziagen

  • Headache (7%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Fatigue/tireness (7%)
  • Diarrhea (7%)
  • Rash (6%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Dizziness (6%)
  • Muscle Pain (6%)

Warnings for Ziagen

  • SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
  • LIVER PROBLEMS
  • IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
  • HEART ATTACK

Prices with our coupons for Truvada vs. Ziagen

Price Card Drug Icon
Emtricitabine/Tenofovir30 tablets / 200mg/300mg
$27.53$2,099.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Abacavir60 tablets / 300mg
$52.46-
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