Compare Ziagen vs. Combivir
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
Ziagen (abacavir) is a first-choice medication that is used with others to treat HIV. It's important that your doctor test you for allergic reactions to Ziagen (abacavir) before starting the medication.
Treats HIV infection
While Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) isn't one of the first choices for treating HIV, it can still be an option if other HIV medications aren't working well for you.
Upsides
- Ziagen (abacavir) is found in many other combination tablets.
- Ziagen (abacavir) has few drug interactions.
- People whose kidneys are not working as well can still take Ziagen (abacavir) without having to change its dose.
- Kids 3 months and older can use Ziagen (abacavir).
- Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) can be taken with or without food.
- Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) can be taken by children and adolescents weighing 30kg (66lbs) or more.
- Available in generic.
Downsides
- Ziagen (abacavir) can increase your risk of heart attack.
- This is not a great medication to take if you have liver problems.
- Severe allergic reactions have happened in some patients taking Ziagen (abacavir). Your doctor will test you for any possible risk of reaction before starting Ziagen (abacavir).
- Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) needs to be taken twice daily.
- Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) may cause serious blood, muscle, and liver problems.
- Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) is not recommended if you have kidney damage.
- Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) can cause a lot of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, and malaise.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$57.53
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$53.98
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Reviews
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Side effects
21possible side effects
- Nausea19%
- Headache13%
- Fatigue and discomfort12%
- Dreams/sleep disorders10%
- Nausea and vomiting10%
- Severe allergic reactions9%
- Fever and/or chills9%
- Headaches/migraine7%
- Diarrhea7%
- Skin rashes7%
- Rashes6%
- Stomach pain6%
- Depression6%
- Dizziness6%
- Muscle and joint pain6%
- Ear/nose/throat infections5%
- Viral respiratory infections5%
- Anxiety5%
- Bronchitis4%
- Pneumonia4%
- Vomiting2%
20possible side effects
- Headache35%
- Nausea33%
- Malaise and fatigue27%
- Nose-related problems20%
- Diarrhea18%
- Cough18%
- Nausea and vomiting13%
- Nerve problems12%
- Bone pain12%
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders11%
- Fever or chills10%
- Loss or decrease in appetite10%
- Dizziness10%
- Abdominal pain9%
- Depression9%
- Skin rashes9%
- Muscle pain8%
- Abdominal cramps6%
- Indigestion5%
- Joint pain5%
Risks and risk factors
- Severe allergic reactions
- Positive genetic test (HLA B5701)
- Lactic acidosis & severe liver damage
- Obesity
- Women
- History of liver problems
- Immune system reactivation
- Fat redistribution
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Blood and bone marrow problems
- Advanced HIV
- Anemia
- Neutropenia
- Muscle damage
- Taking Combivir (lamivudine / zidovudine) for a long time
- Worsening of hepatitis B
- Hepatitis B virus
- Lactic acidosis | Enlarged, fatty liver
- Liver disease
- Women
- Obesity
- Immune reconstitution syndrome
- HIV
- Exposure to other infections
- Start of a new HIV medication
- Change in HIV therapy
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- History of pancreatitis