Triumeq vs Genvoya. How do they compare?

Both Triumeq and Genvoya are combination medications that may be used to treat HIV-1 infection, a virus that causes AIDS. Although there are several similarities between them, there are some notable differences. The main differences are:

• Triumeq contains three antivirals: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine; and Genvoya contains three antivirals elvitegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir plus cobicistat which is a CYP3A4 inhibitor, that prevents the breakdown of some antivirals, such as elvitegravir, boosting their activity
• Triumeq and Triumeq PD may be used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 10 kg (22 pounds) and Genvoya may be used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 25kg (55 pounds)
• Triumeq PD is the first combination treatment containing dolutegravir that is available as a dispersible tablet for the treatment of pediatric patients weighing 10kgs to <25 kgs with HIV-1
• Triumeq is the only combination tablet with an abacavir/lamivudine nucleoside backbone. Genvoya has an integrase inhibitor ( elvitegravir); emtricitabine and tenofovir are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and cobicistat boosts the activity of elvitegravir.
• Triumeq can only be given to people with HIV who test negative for the HLA-B*5701 gene, because the antiviral drug abacavir may cause hypersensitivity reactions. Abacavir has also been associated with an increased risk of a heart attack so may not be suitable for people with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease. Gene testing is not required for people taking Genvoya.
• There are fewer drug interactions with Triumeq because it doesn’t contain the booster, cobicistat (which inhibits CYP3A4 liver enzymes). Side effects may also be less with Triumeq. Genvoya, because it contains cobicistat, may interact with a long list of medications, such as statins, birth control pills, erectile dysfunction treatments, and nasal corticosteroids.
• Trimeq was FDA approved on August 22, 2014, and Genvoya was approved on November 5th, 2015
• Triumeq is made by ViiV Health Care Company (an HIV company established by GlaxoSmith Kline and Pfizer) and Genvoya is made by Gilead Sciences, Inc.
• Triumeq can be taken with or without food but Genvoya should be taken with food
• Triumeq is not recommended in people with mild or worse hepatic impairment nor people with a creatinine clearance of less than 50mL/minute. Genvoya is not recommended in people with severe hepatic or renal impairment.

Similarities between Triumeq and Genvoya include:

• Both are fixed combination medications where all the active medications have been combined into one tablet
• Both are included in HHS guidelines as a first-line treatment regimen and are considered equally effective
• Side effects are similar and may include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Triumeq is more likely to cause diarrhea and Genvoya is more likely to cause insomnia.
• Both are used to treat HIV-1 infection
• Both are taken as one tablet once daily
• Triumeq costs around $2900 for a 30 day supply and Genvoya costs around $2700 for a 30-day supply.

Related questions

• What is Genvoya used to treat?
• How long does Genvoya stay in your system?
• Is Genvoya used for PrEP?