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Compare Ziagen vs. Triumeq

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

Key takeaways

Abacavir (Ziagen) and Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine) are both used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Abacavir (Ziagen) is a single medication that belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class and is available in both generic and brand forms. It should be used in combination with other HIV medications. Triumeq, on the other hand, is a combination of three medications: abacavir, dolutegravir (an integrase inhibitor), and lamivudine (another NRTI). This combination makes Triumeq a complete HIV treatment in one pill, which is taken once daily. Unlike abacavir (Ziagen), Triumeq is not recommended for people with kidney or severe liver problems and has more drug interactions. Both medications require genetic testing for the HLA-B 5701 gene to avoid serious allergic reactions. Triumeq is available in tablet form for adults and children over 55 lbs. Triumeq PD is a dissolvable tablet for children between 13 lbs and 54 lbs.

  • Abacavir (Ziagen)
    Triumeq
  • Abacavir (Ziagen)
    Triumeq

  • Summary of Ziagen vs. Triumeq

    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

    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 of Ziagen vs. Triumeq

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV infection (in people who weigh at least 22 pounds)

  • Pros and Cons of Ziagen vs. Triumeq

    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
    •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 of Ziagen vs. Triumeq

    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
    •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

  • Warnings of Ziagen vs. Triumeq

    Common Side Effects for
    •SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
    •LIVER PROBLEMS
    •IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION SYNDROME
    •HEART ATTACK
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
    •Liver problems
    •Overactive immune system
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Ziagen vs. Triumeq

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    Learn more about Triumeq

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