Question
What can I do about side effects from Atripla?
25 October 2016. Related: Adherence, All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects.
I tested positive in April 2013, my initial cd4 was 400. Clinic prescribed folic acid and vitamins which I have been taking ever since. My next cd4 count went up to 490 not sure about viral load as the government clinic in South Africa don’t give this info.
I decided to get medical aid (medical insurance) as I got tired of going to the clinic (lack of descretion and privacy) I started seeing a private doctor, after doing some tests my cd4 came back 540 viral load 100. I thought this was still good as I was still feeling fine and healthy. He suggested I start treatment (the sooner the better) I started on Trivenz in August this year, ever since I have lost 7kg, I’m sick all the time everyday ever since, dizzy, very painful joints (he gave arthritis meds), not sure if my eyesight being worse than it was has anything to do with the treatment. I’ve basically become a different person, I don’t even recognise myself. I don’t even feel like doing anything I used to do. Mind you, I’ve never been sick before this.I asked my doctor if I could stop the treatment after a month which he obviously said no and suggested we change, Changing may or may not help since these are
all generic, i tried Tribuss for a couple of weeks but it made me tired all the time and pretty much nothing changed. Honestly I regret starting treatment and I just want my old life back. Considering my cd4 of over 500 and vl of 100 when I started, can I stop treatment as I feel it is killing me slowly. If a pregnant woman can stop after giving birth surely someone with severe side effects can to. Please help
Answer
Thanks or getting in touch.
I’m sorry to hear that your quality of life has decreased since starting ARVs. And that you are having a difficult time.
Both of the ARVs that you have tried are the same. This being generic versions of Atripla. Atripla contains efavirenz tenofovir DF + FTC.The side effects that you are having are common with efavirenz. This link has more information:
https://i-base.info/guides/1561
Question three at this link also includes ways to make side effects from efvirenz easier:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
You could talk to your doctor and tell them that you need to change. And change to an ARV that doesn’t contain efavirenz, this may help.
I appreciate that you have a good CD4 count and low viral load. However, if you stop taking ARVs your CD4 will drop. Your viral load will also rise. Also the recommendations are that everyone should be on medication. This is applicable to women who have had children.
Hi Ayanda,
Have you just started HIV treatment (ART)? Mild side effects can happen with all HIV meds when starting ART. But these usually go away in a week or two.
However, if you have a rash of any kind it’s important to see the doctor so it can be looked at. That can help rule out any serious reaction to the meds.
Is a mild rash on the face a common tribuss side effect?
Hi, You can mix your meds in your daily pill boxes. This can be handy and also help you to check that you’ve taken them. Here are some tips from the i-Base Introduction to ART.
Hi can i mix tribuss and other pills inside 1 container