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Compare Videx vs. Epzicom

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

Key takeaways

Didanosine (Videx) and Epzicom (abacavir/lamivudine) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV. They belong to the same subclass of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by stopping the HIV virus from making copies of itself. However, there are several differences between them. Didanosine (Videx) is no longer available in the U.S. due to serious side effects and limited demand, while Epzicom is still in use and available as a generic. Epzicom is a combination medication containing two NRTIs, abacavir and lamivudine, and is taken as one tablet once daily. In contrast, didanosine was a single-agent medication. Epzicom requires a genetic test before use due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, and it can worsen hepatitis B if stopped suddenly. Common side effects of Epzicom include headache, tiredness, and nausea, while didanosine was known for more serious side effects, which contributed to its discontinuation.

  • Didanosine (Videx)
    Epzicom
  • Didanosine (Videx)
    Epzicom

  • Summary of Videx vs. Epzicom

    Summary for HIV ARV

    Didanosine (Videx) was one of the first HIV antiretroviral (ARV) medications approved by the FDA. It has a lot of serious side effects that have limited its use in recent years and is no longer available in the U.S.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Epzicom is a combination medication containing two HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), abacavir (Ziagen) and lamivudine (Epivir). It's used with other HIV ARVs for the treatment of HIV.

  • Indications of Videx vs. Epzicom

    Indications for
    Indications for
    •HIV treatment

  • Pros and Cons of Videx vs. Epzicom

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    Cons
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Contains 2 first choice HIV ARV options
    •Convenient dosing (1 tablet, once a day, with or without food)
    •Same dose for everyone weighing more than 55 lbs (25 kg)
    •Contains lamivudine, which also works against hepatitis B
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    Cons
    •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
    •People taking methadone might need a higher dose of methadone after starting Epzicom
    •People with hepatitis B can have worsened hepatitis B if they suddenly stop taking Epzicom

  • Common Side Effects of Videx vs. Epzicom

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7%)
    •Tiredness and fatigue (6%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    •Nausea (5%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Fever (5%)

  • Warnings of Videx vs. Epzicom

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •WORSENING OF HEPATITIS B
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK

  • Prices with our coupons for Videx vs. Epzicom

    Learn more about Didanosine
    Learn more about Epzicom

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