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Compare Ziagen vs. Tivicay

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

Key takeaways

Abacavir (Ziagen) and dolutegravir (Tivicay) are both antiretroviral (ARV) medications used to treat HIV. They are often used together in combination therapies, but they belong to different medication classes. Abacavir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), while dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor. Abacavir is available as a generic and can be taken as a tablet or oral solution, whereas dolutegravir is only available as a brand-name medication and comes in tablet form, including a version that can be dissolved in water for those who have trouble swallowing. Abacavir requires a genetic test before starting due to the risk of severe allergic reactions, while dolutegravir can cause liver problems and should not be taken with certain medications like dofetilide. Common side effects of abacavir include headache and nausea, while dolutegravir may cause trouble sleeping and headaches. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical help if needed.

  • Abacavir (Ziagen)
    Tivicay (dolutegravir)
  • Abacavir (Ziagen)
    Tivicay (dolutegravir)

  • Summary of Ziagen vs. Tivicay

    Summary for HIV ARV
    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.

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Tivicay (dolutegravir) is a medication that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Some side effects can include trouble sleeping, tiredness, and headache, but they aren't very common with this medication. Tivicay (dolutegravir) comes as two different formulations: a tablet that you swallow whole and a tablet that you mix in water to make into a liquid solution. Tivicay (dolutegravir) is only available as a brand-name medication; there's no generic at this time.

  • Indications of Ziagen vs. Tivicay

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection in people aged 4 weeks and older

  • Pros and Cons of Ziagen vs. Tivicay

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    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)
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available for adults and children at least 4 weeks old and weighing at least 7 pounds
    •Has an oral tablet formulation that can be dissolved in water and taken as a solution (Tivicay PD), so it's convenient if you have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Interacts with a lot of medications, such as some other HIV medications, anti-seizure medications (e.g., oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)), and antacids
    •Can't take with dofetilide (Tikosyn) because of risk of serious side events
    •Not recommended for use if you have severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Ziagen vs. Tivicay

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

    The following side effects were reported in adults taking this medication with other HIV ARVs. Side effects might differ in children.

    •Higher lipase levels (up to 11%)
    •Higher blood sugar levels (up to 9%)
    •Higher creatine kinase levels in the blood (up to 7%)
    •Abnormal liver labs (up to 5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 3%)
    •Headache (up to 2%)
    •Feeling tired (up to 2%)

  • Warnings of Ziagen vs. Tivicay

    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Liver problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Ziagen vs. Tivicay

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    Learn more about Tivicay

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