Triumeq Vs Truvada: Full Information for Drug Selection

HIV is still a serious concern affecting millions of people globally. Even though there are several drugs to combat this virus, its best to understand how each drug functions – weighing its effectiveness and other factors for the right drug selection. This time we will compare Triumeq Vs Truvada and here is what we found.

Truvada is usually the first choice for HIV treatment and prevention – as PrEP. However, pharma has come up with other anti-HIV drug combinations that serve the same purpose – to treat HIV and restore your body’s immune system to normal even if these drugs can’t cure the virus.

Most of the highly effective drugs are just ripping us off. Millions of patients can’t fathom why the prices are so high. Usually, to most people, pricing is a factor when it comes to drug selection.

Triumeq Vs Truvada: Full Information for Drug SelectionThe good news is that there are several insurances and other medical initiatives that help cover the cost of these drugs, making it accessible to most people. But still, that’s not enough. To end this epidemic, drugs should be cost-effective so that millions of people can get their medication.

Triumeq is a new drug that’s highly competitive and one of the first choices as anti-HIV medication. Since it treats the same infection as Truvada, there must be a compliment.

For example, what makes one of the drugs unique from another? Here is how we compare and conclude if you have found an effective and well-tolerable anti-HIV drug between the two, but there is another option if you can’t afford your choice of brand medicine.

What Are These Medications Used For?

Truvada contains two active ingredients used to treat and prevent HIV-infection. Emtricitabine/tenofovir is recommended by the U.S. FDA for treating HIV in combination with other medicines. In 2012, it was discovered that Truvada could reduce the chances of getting HIV infection.

Truvada became the first WHO and FDA recommended drug to be used as PrEP for individuals who are at an increased rate of being infected with the virus. It doesn’t assure you 100% guaranteed prevention, but if used with other safer sex practices, there is a higher chance of protection against acquiring the virus.

Triumeq is the latest drug from Gilead Sciences prescribed for HIV/AIDS treatment. Triumeq is a complete, highly effective, fixed-dose anti-HIV regimen consisting of three medicines (active substances) – dolutegravir/lamivudine/abacavir – from different drug classes to effectively manage, treat, and suppress the virus in the body. It’s among the first choice of anti-HIV medicines recommended for treating and reducing the amount of virus in the body

Truvada Main Uses

Truvada is prescribed for use in two instances (1) for HIV treatment and (2) as PrEP – for HIV-1 prevention. Despite its higher prices, Truvada is among the first options recommended to be used as a prevention strategy against HIV-1 acquisition.

For HIV treatment, Truvada contains emtricitabine/tenofovir that helps suppress the virus in the body. The same emtricitabine/tenofovir is highly effective and well-tolerated when it’s used to prevent the virus from entering your body.

Either as PrEP or HIV treatment, Truvada is 1 tab daily pill taken with or without food. It’s highly recommended that you abide by the doctor’s prescription when using Truvada. Don’t use the medication before consulting with your medical specialist. Truvada can interact with the drugs you are using or with other illnesses that you may have.

What Is Triumeq Prescribed For?

Triumeq is a fixed-dose combination of three medicines with varying and complementary modes of action. It was approved by the U.S. FDA for treating HIV.

Triumeq is among the first choices of anti-HIV drugs due to its higher efficacy and tolerability. A drug with a three-drug combination can effectively fight the virus in the body, providing impressive results in suppressing viral load and increasing CD4 cell count. Administering the Triumeq medication helps patients live longer and healthier lives.

The active substance – abacavir, and lamivudine belong to a group of meds called NRTI or “nukes,” while dolutegravir (another Triumeq active ingredient) is an integrase inhibitor. These two groups of meds inhibit and actively combat the HIV in the body T-cells and prevent the virus from further infecting the red blood cells.

Does Truvada Work the Same Way As Triumeq?

Truvada vs TriumeqBoth drugs are antiretroviral meds that have a slightly different mode of action in fighting the virus in the red blood cells. Truvada has two active substances – FTC/TDF, while Triumeq has completely different active substances – dolutegravir/lamivudine/abacavir, which serve the same purpose – to inhibit and suppress virus viral load.

Comparing the two drugs’ active substances, each has disadvantages and advantages. Of the most concerning is the effect on the kidneys, which is common in drugs with tenofovir. The active substances in Triumeq have fewer side effects and drug interactions, unlike Truvada. Since it does not contain a booster, Triumeq is an effective and safe antiretroviral regimen. This means it has fewer drug interactions as compared to drugs containing TDF/FTC like Truvada.

Truvada Mechanism of Action

Truvada active substances (belonging to drug class – NRTIs) inhibit and alter the virus’s active process of infecting the CD4 cells and replicating. CD4 cells (also called T-cells or red blood cells) are the most important body substances that are essential to building the immune system.

When a person is healthy, their immune system is stronger. This is identified by looking at the CD4 cell count. When the virus enters your body, it targets these cells and uses it to make copies of itself. In the process, it weakens immune function, welcoming external infections to take advantage of it and cause diseases.

Truvada is made to intercept and limit the virus multiplication actions. It prevents the virus from further infecting the T-cells. The only setback is that it doesn’t treat the already infected cells. Even if the virus count is reduced, still, there are T-cells that are affected and can’t be fully treated.

Triumeq Mode of Action

Antiretroviral drugsJust like how Truvada attacks the HIV virus, Triumeq has the same mode of action with an additional group of medicine (an antiretroviral drug) called integrase inhibitors (INIs) that work together with NRTIs to fight the virus in the body.

Lamivudine and abacavir are NRTIs or “nukes” while dolutegravir is an integrase inhibitor. INIs are designed to prevent or block the action of virus integrase. Integrase is a viral enzyme that integrates (or inserts) the HIV viral genome into the DNA of the T-cells (host cell).

Both NRTI and INI medicines target and inhibit the action of the virus enzyme from entering the CD4 cells and making copies of itself. Note that it does not alter or remove the already affected T-cells but simply prevents further damage.

When this action is accomplished, the virus becomes fewer in number over time and restores the body’s immune system back to normal if a patient consistently and effectively uses the medicine as advised by the medial specialist.

Triumeq is highly effective due to its two ways of fighting the virus and is highly tolerable with fewer side effects.

Truvada Versus Triumeq: Comparison Chart

Truvada and Triumeq are both effective in treating HIV. Although Truvada is known for PrEP, it’s also among the top recommended drug to manage HIV/AIDS.

Here is a comprehensive table showing each drug comparison in various functions or performances. Both drugs nearly have the same effect but they may have varying tolerability.

Let’s get started.

Brand Name/Active Ingredient Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir) Triumeq (dolutegravir/lamivudine/abacavir)
Manufacturer Gilead Sciences ViiV HealthCare
Success Rate
  • as PrEP, its success rate is 99%;
  • the success rate is more than 70% among individual injecting drugs.
Triumeq has more than 89% satisfaction score.
Drug Class Antiviral combinations belonging to NRTIs Antiviral combinations belonging to NRTIs + INIs
Approved by the U.S. FDA
  • aug 2, 2004 – for treating HIV/AIDS;
  • approved in 2012 as PrEP – together with alternative safer sex practices like condoms.
August 2014 as (3-in-1 tablet) for HIV treatment.
Prescribed For
  • HIV/AIDS;
  • hepatitis B treatment;
  • PrEP.

Truvada is administered alone to prevent HIV-1 infection but it’s used with other meds to fight HIV/AIDS in the body.

HIV/AIDS treatment.
Effectiveness Truvada for PrEP is highly effective and tolerated with 92%-99% effectiveness in the reduction of HIV acquisition. Triumeq is highly effective 3-in-1 drug combination that’s well-tolerated and safe compared to Truvada for HIV/AIDS medication.
Dosage Forms Tablet; oral Tablet; oral
What Does It Look Like? Truvada pill Triumeq pill
Consumption Instructions
  • Truvada for PrEP and HIV/AIDS treatment is a 1 tab daily pill;
  • taken with or without food at the same time each day;
  • for PrEP, combined with other safer sex practices like a condom.
  • don’t take this drug without consulting your doctor;
  • Triumeq for HIV/AIDS is a one tab daily pill taken with or without a meal;
  • cannot be taken with other HIV drugs.
Half-Life 25.7 hours.

  • tenofovir – approx. 17 hours;
  • emtricitabine – approx. 10 hours.
Triumeq half-life varies with its different active ingredients. Generally, the half-life of this drug is 14 hours.

  • abacavir elimination half-life of 1.5 hours;
  • dolutegravir half-life is 14 hours;
  • lamivudine half-life range from 5 to 7 hours.
Available Generics Officially, generics of Truvada are not yet available. But there is one which is going to be released from Teva Pharmaceuticals after its patent expires in 2020. In addition, you can buy Truvada alternatives OTC, such as Ricovir-EM, Tavin-EM, Tenvir-EM, and Tenof-EM. There is no approved generic version of Triumeq in the USA. Triumeq contains 3 medicines. Each of the medicines is likely to have a generic version. For example:

It’s not clear when will Triumeq generic become available. But there are several generics that may contain Triumeq active substances: lamivudine + abacavir + lamivudine, as listed above.

Brand Price (30 tabs) The average price for 30 tablets is $1843.75. The average cost of 30 tabs is $3024.99.
Generic Price (30 tabs) Although there is no generic version of Truvada, there are other generic drugs that have the same active substance as Truvada sold at extremely cheaper prices including Tenvir-EM, Tenof-EM, Ricovir-EM, and more. These drugs cost less than $2 per pill. For example, Tenvir-EM cost around $59 for 30 tabs. Most generics are more than 95% cheaper (from some suppliers) as compared to the cost of their original drug counterparts. Triumeq has three active substances. Each of these medicines has its own generic versions that cost less than $80 from some online suppliers. For example: Generic Tivicay may cost around $149 for 30 pills compared to the brand name price. Tivicay 10 mg cost around $372 for a supply of 30 tablets.
User Experience Truvada for PrEP is the first drug choice recommended for HIV-1 prevention due to its high efficacy. As HIV medication, Truvada has two active ingredients, unlike Triumeq that has 3. This gives Triumeq higher effectiveness and tolerability. Note that Truvada is effective but not as much as Triumeq. Here is a general opinion of users about Truvada based on 16+ reviews:

  • 100% of testimonials said it’s worth it;
  • 94% said it worked well – (in terms of effectiveness and tolerability).
Just like Stribild, Triumeq is highly expensive (probably due to 3-1 drug composition) locking out millions of patients from using this drug combination. Although it does not favor everyone, a higher percentage of people have excellent positive reviews on this drug’s effectiveness and ease of use. It’s highly effective, very well-tolerated and comes with fewer adverse reactions or side effects.

  • it scores 8.6/10 based on 104 reviews.

It’s an excellent drug with fewer side effects.

Main Interactions Truvada main interactions include:

  • HIV-1 protease inhibitors like lopinavir/ritonavir;
  • didanosine drugs;
  • hep C antiretroviral;
  • meds affecting renal function, kidney and liver.
Triumeq interacts with diseases and other drugs if used together. Consult with your doctor if you have these conditions or are using drugs to treat your condition.

  • pancreatitis;
  • hemodialysis;
  • hepatotoxicity;
  • hepatitis;
  • other drugs for HIV treatment;
  • renal dysfunction;
  • cardiovascular disease;
  • liver impairment.
Possible Adverse Reactions Adverse reactions can be avoided if you let your medical specialist fully examine your health before using Truvada or any other medication:

  • worsening of renal impairment;
  • may cause immune reconstruction syndrome;
  • severe worsening or onset of HBV in patients with HBV/HIV-1;
  • may contribute to the buildup of lactic acidosis;
  • may contribute to bone loss.
Triumeq has the same adverse reactions that can easily be managed if your doctor has access to your health for analysis:

  • it may cause a serious onset of hep B in people diagnosed with HIV-1 and HBV if you stop the medication;
  • it may cause or worsen renal problem;
  • it may cause a hypersensitivity reaction that may cause death;
  • It may cause a buildup of lactic acidosis.

Which Medication Is Tolerated Better?

As you can see from the table above, each drug has its advantages and disadvantages. We are not talking about design or drug form. We are talking about its effectiveness, tolerability, and possible adverse reactions.

Triumeq is the best drug if you have a kidney problem. In most cases, tenofovir (a substance of Truvada) is known to cause severe kidney problems. Triumeq contains no tenofovir, making it better if you have this condition.

Although Truvada is not linked with major, adverse, or lasting kidney problems, both drugs can be tolerated if you adhere to the drug prescription. Generally, Triumeq can be tolerated better but can cause adverse reactions that may harm your health if you don’t adhere to the drug prescription.

Real Reviews and Testimonials of Customers

Testimonials of customersAmong other factors, customers rely on reviews and testimonials when it comes to making a purchasing decision. Patients’ honest reviews say a lot about a particular drug.

As aforementioned, both Truvada and Triumeq have real positive and negative reviews based on their medication experiences with a particular drug. Both drugs are highly effective and tolerable although there is one that’s better than the other. Some reviews that are particularly negative should be considered twice – some patients may have an illness or drug interaction that causes a particular reaction. Reviews are individual and personalized opinions on the effectiveness and tolerability of a certain drug.

Nonetheless, if there are more positive testimonials, then the drug is likely well-tolerated. If there are more negative reviews, then that drug should be reconsidered before making a purchase. But there is no such thing as a bad drug if it has gone through FDA and WHO approval. That’s why understanding your health is paramount before administering any anti-HIV drugs.

Which Drug to Choose?

So far, you might have a guess about which drug is best to treat HIV. If you need a highly effective medication for PrEP, then Truvada is your option. Although it’s very expensive, there are some insurances and healthcare initiatives that can help cover your cost.

As with HIV treatment, Triumeq is the first choice over Truvada. Why? Triumeq has three medicines that work differently (NRTIs + INIs) to effectively manage and treat HIV in the body. Truvada has only one mode of action to fight the virus.

Here is a table summary of the above-mentioned information:

Drug Name Pros Cons
Truvada
  • TDF/FTC are the first two choices for treating HIV. It’s used in together with other HIV medication;
  • first recommended choice as PrEP medication;
  • 1 tab pill per day;
  • effective in preventing and treating HIV virus.
  • as PrEP, other safer sex measures are mandatory for full protection. It won’t protect you from other STIs. You also have to adhere to a 3-month mandatory overall health checkup and HIV test;
  • strictly not recommended for patients with poorly functioning kidneys;
  • if you stop using Truvada, your hepatitis may get worse if you are diagnosed with both HIV and hep B.
Triumeq
  • highly effective and tolerable drug for HIV treatment. It’s the preferred choice for a patient with good kidney function;
  • 3-in-1 (combination) HIV drug medication;
  • 1 tab only taken once a day (at the same time).
  • if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or if you smoke, it may increase the chances of a heart attack;
  • not recommended if you have poor kidney function or liver problems;
  • possible risk of a severe allergic reaction.

Where to Buy Quality Medications Online Without Prescription?

Internet pharmacyThere are various medications to treat HIV or prevent the virus from entering your body (as PrEP). Truvada and Triumeq are proven and reliable, but branded drugs are not the only ones that solve this condition. There are tens of generics that have the same drug composition and effectiveness but are available for sale with extremely lower prices.

Generic medications are cost-effective, helping millions of HIV infected individuals and those who are at higher risk to protect themselves against being infected with the virus.

They are easily available OTC without a prescription although a doctor’s recommendation is very important. It’s necessary to check your health before starting any of the medicines.

Choose the best, highly rated, and most trustworthy online supplier that’s very cheap and also selling quality HIV prevention and treatment drugs like our BuyPrEPOnline online pharmacy store.

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