Key takeaways
Didanosine (Videx) and Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV infections. However, they belong to different subclasses within the ARV class. Didanosine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), while Triumeq is a combination of three medications: abacavir and lamivudine, which are also NRTIs, and dolutegravir, an integrase inhibitor. Didanosine is no longer available in the U.S. due to serious side effects and limited demand, whereas Triumeq is available by prescription and combines three medications into one pill for convenience. Triumeq requires a genetic test before starting treatment to check for a risk of serious allergic reactions, and it is available in tablet form and as a dissolvable tablet for children. Didanosine had serious side effects and drug interactions that limited its use, while Triumeq can cause allergic reactions, liver problems, and interacts with many medications. Triumeq is taken once daily, but its dose cannot be adjusted for people with kidney or liver problems.
