Compare Viread vs. Epivir
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Also treats Hepatitis B Virus.
Viread (tenofovir) is a first-line choice to be used in combination with other medications to treat HIV. Viread (tenofovir) is also a first-line choice in treating HBV.
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.
Upsides
- Can be used with other medications to prevent HIV infection after an exposure.
- Taken only once daily, with or without food.
- There are newer formulations of Viread (tenofovir) available that are safer on your kidneys.
- If tablets are hard for you to swallow, Viread (tenofovir) is available in a powder that's mixed with soft foods.
- 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.
Downsides
- Viread (tenofovir) can't be used on its own to treat HIV infection.
- Not recommended for patients with kidney damage.
- Can weaken your bones.
- Might worsen hepatitis B infections if you suddenly stop taking it.
- 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.
Used for
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B
- HIV prevention
- HIV infection
- Hepatitis B
- HIV prevention, non-occupational (PEP)
- HIV prevention, mother-to-child
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Powder
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$86.30
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$170.02
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Reviews
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Side effects
3possible side effects
- Ear, nose, and throat infections25%
- Diarrhea14%
- Sore throat13%
Risks and risk factors
- Lactic acidosis | Enlarged, fatty liver
- Liver disease
- Women
- Obesity
- Cannot be used to treat Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis B Virus infection
- Mood and behavior changes
- History of mental illness
- Decreased bone mineral density
- History of bone fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney damage
- History of kidney damage
- Concurrent use of other drugs known to harm kidneys
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
- Prior severe allergic reaction to Viread (tenofovir) or any of its individual drug components.
- 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