Compare Epivir vs. Epzicom

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

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Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection or chronic hepatitis B.

Epivir (lamivudine) is a first-choice and commonly used medicine to take together with other HIV medications to treat HIV. It is also an alternative option for treating chronic hepatitis B.

Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.

Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) contains two medicines in one tablet, used with other medicines, to treat HIV infection. Your doctor does need to test you before you start it to make sure you don't get an allergic reaction.

Upsides
  • Epivir (lamivudine) can be used with many other HIV options to create a combination that's right for you.
  • Has very minimal interactions with other medications.
  • Available in tablet and liquid form.
  • Can be take once or twice a day. Also available in different combination pills so you don't have to take as many pills per day.
  • Available in cheaper generic form.
  • Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) contains two first choice medicines used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV infections.
  • Compared to other HIV medicines, Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) does not have as many drug interactions with other medicines.
  • Can be taken with or without food.
  • Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) can be taken by children weighng at least 55lbs (25kg) or more.
Downsides
  • Cannot take Epivir (lamivudine) by itself to treat HIV.
  • Might need to change dosage based on how well your kidneys function.
  • It is recommended to use other options to treat chronic hepatitis B before choosing Epivir (lamivudine) due to drug resistance.
  • You'll have to be tested for both HIV and hepatitis B, since the dose to treat hepatitis B is lower than the dose for HIV. If you have the lower dose, HIV can be harder to treat if you also have hepatitis B.
  • The liquid version of Epivir (lamivudine) has sugar, so if you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels might change.
  • Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) isn't recommended if you'll need to adjust the dose of medications due to problems like kidney and/or liver damage.
  • Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine) can increase your risk of heart attack, especially if you have other heart-related issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke.
  • Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine). Your doctor will test you for any possible risk of reaction before starting Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine).
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Used for
  • HIV infection
  • Hepatitis B
  • HIV prevention, non-occupational (PEP)
  • HIV prevention, mother-to-child
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$398.14
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Lowest price
$63.35
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Reviews
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Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Ear, nose, and throat infections
    25%
  • Diarrhea
    14%
  • Sore throat
    13%
See more detailed side effects
13possible side effects
  • Severe allergic reaction
    9%
  • Insomnia
    7%
  • Depression/Depressed mood
    7%
  • Headache/Migraine
    7%
  • Fatigue/Malaise
    6%
  • Dizziness/Vertigo
    6%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Rash
    5%
  • Fever
    5%
  • Abdominal pain & inflammation
    4%
  • Abnormal dreams
    4%
  • Anxiety
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Lactic acidosis | Enlarged, fatty liver
    • Liver disease
    • Women
    • Obesity
  • Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
    • Hepatitis B virus
  • Different doses available
  • HIV counseling/testing
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Pancreatitis
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • Previous allergic reaction to Triumeq or abacavir
    • Presence of HLA-B*5701 gene
  • Lactic acidosis and Fatty liver
    • Liver disease
    • Women
    • Obesity
  • Acute exacerbation of hepatitis B virus (HBV)
    • Hepatitis B virus
  • Fat redistribution
    • HIV treatment
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Heart attack
    • History of coronary heart disease
    • High blood pressure
    • Dyslipidemia
    • Diabetes mellitus
    • Smoking
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Epivir (lamivudine)
Learn more about Epzicom (abacavir / lamivudine)