Videx vs. Triumeq for HIV Treatment: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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.

Didanosine

(Videx)

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Triumeq

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Summary for Videx

Discontinued

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.

Pros and Cons for Videx

Pros

Cons

Summary for Triumeq

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.

Indications for Triumeq

Treatment of HIV infection (in people who weigh at least 13 pounds)

Pros and Cons for Triumeq

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)

Common Side Effects for Triumeq

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