Question
Are these side effects from Heftenam (generic Atripla) normal?
1 August 2016. Related: All topics, Side effects, South Africa, Starting treatment.
Hi I just started taking Heftenam with Purbac and DS-24. I’ve been having side effects like nausea, fatigue serious dizziness headaches serious abdominal pain including ulcers and a few other things. Is my body rejecting the medication? Is this normal for the first month?
Answer
Hi
Heftenam is a generic version of Atripla.
Many of the symptoms you mention could be related to efavirenz (one of the three drugs it contains). See efavirenz side effects.
The antibiotics in Purbac can also could side effects including rash – so it is important that you talk to your doctor or clinic about how you feel.
If you started treatment with a very low CD4 count (less than 100), these symptoms might related to other infections.
If these are just side effects of efavirenz, they usually get better after a few weeks. But your doctor needs to decide if this is the case.
The side effects do not mean the drugs are now working. If they continue you might need to use easier drugs for you though.
Hi fezi, pls see this link for info, including on alternative meds.
https://i-base.info/qa/16775
Im taking Heftenam they cause insomnia bcs I take my Arvs at night
Hi Dikeledi, Heftenam is a generic version of Atripla. This means that it includes efavirez. Efavirenz is a medication that has been linked with weight loss. This is a rare side effect and is not as common as with other drugs e.g., stavudine. Have you noticed any changes in your weight since starting this medication?
Can Heftenam make me gain or loose weight
Hi Prudence,
How long have you been taking heftenam?
Hy can you please help me since i started heftenam.
I loose appetite,feel like to vomite pressure in my chest bt if i went for bowel action (no2) it lower down.
Do you think m developing gastric disease should i worry or it just side effect.