Symfi Vs. Atripla

Symfi Vs. Atripla. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy paved the way for immediate recovery and treatment for people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). While there have a lot of antiretroviral drugs produced today, two of the most famous are Symfi and Atripla. These drugs may share the same functions, but they still have major differences that you must learn and know.

Defenition

• Symfi is a combination of three major ARVs, such as efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir. This medicine applies to both children and adults, making it a universal type of ARV. The said drug works by preventing the virus from replicating within the body.
• On the other hand, Atripla is also a combination medicine consisting of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. Similar to Symfi, Atripla also applies to both children and adults. It functions by inhibiting HIV’s capacity to multiply.

Precautions and Warnings

• Parallel to other ARVs available today, Symfi medication also observes different precautionary measures. Some of the precautions include the avoidance of Symfi consumption if a patient has a history of liver disease, kidney damage, heart disease, seizure, and alcohol addiction.
• To ensure that Atripla is safe for consumption, the patient must tell the healthcare professional if he/she has already been diagnosed with the following – mental illness, epilepsy, liver damage, kidney disease, and hepatitis B infection.

Dosage

• The dosage for Symfi is the same for both children and adults. The frequency for this medication is only one tablet of Symfi to be consumed on a daily basis. The dosage must not be changed unless the doctor has advised or prescribed it.
• For Atripla , oral consumption is also done per day. It will only take one tablet of Atripla to be consumed on a daily basis. Skipping doses is not advisable. For better HIV treatment, setting a medication schedule that you can follow every day is a wise and smart approach.

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

The adverse reactions of Symfi include:

• dizziness
• coordination problems
• liver damage
• swollen glands
• headache
• drowsiness,
• pain in the arms and legs
• irregular heartbeat
• nausea

The adverse reactions of Atripla include

• nausea
• diarrhea
• depression
• fever
• headache
• sleeping problems
• rashes
• dizziness
• tiredness
• difficulty speaking
• stomach pain
• lack of appetite

Note: Drug interaction is possible during your HIV treatment if you are also taking other medicines. If, in any case, you have an underlying condition that also requires daily treatment, disclose this with your doctor to help you have a convenient and safe treatment process.