Compare Ziagen vs. Genvoya

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

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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.

Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir) is a convenient 4-in-1 medication. It's one of the first choices used to treat HIV infections and contains a newer medication that's safer for your kidneys and bones.

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).
  • First-choice treatment for HIV infections.
  • One tablet contains four different HIV medications and is only taken once daily.
  • Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir) has fewer side effects (headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea), and is safer on your kidneys and bones than Stribild.
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).
  • Should be taken with food.
  • Can increase cholesterol levels.
  • Can interact with many other drugs.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$55.29
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Lowest price
$3396.86
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Reviews
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Side effects
21possible side effects
  • Nausea
    19%
  • Headache
    13%
  • Fatigue and discomfort
    12%
  • Dreams/sleep disorders
    10%
  • Nausea and vomiting
    10%
  • Severe allergic reactions
    9%
  • Fever and/or chills
    9%
  • Headaches/migraine
    7%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Skin rashes
    7%
  • Rashes
    6%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
  • Depression
    6%
  • Dizziness
    6%
  • Muscle and joint pain
    6%
  • Ear/nose/throat infections
    5%
  • Viral respiratory infections
    5%
  • Anxiety
    5%
  • Bronchitis
    4%
  • Pneumonia
    4%
  • Vomiting
    2%
See more detailed side effects
4possible side effects
  • Nausea
    10%
  • Diarrhea
    7%
  • Headache
    6%
  • Fatigue
    5%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Lactic acidosis | Enlarged, fatty liver
    • Liver disease
    • Women
    • Obesity
  • Worsening hepatitis B infection
    • Hepatitis B Virus infection
  • Kidney damage
    • History of kidney damage
    • Taking other medicines that can harm the kidneys
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome
    • HIV
    • Exposure to other infections
    • Start of a new HIV medication
    • Change in HIV therapy
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking medicines that interact with Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Ziagen (abacavir)
Learn more about Genvoya (elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir)