Q and A

Question

My CD4 count is 80 – should I take Atripla?

I just find out that I am HIV positive and my CD4 count is 80. If I take Atripla am I gonna get better or must I take ARVs. Which one is the best?

Answer

Thank-you for your question.

I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Because your CD4 count is under 200 it is important that you think about starting treatment soon.

Atripla is a fixed dose combination pill that contains three HIV drugs (ARVs). Atripla contains efavirenz, tenofovir and FTC. Information about these drugs can all be found in our guide to combination therapy at this link.

Which ARVs you should take is different for each person. Your doctor will talk to you about the different options available. Atripla is recommended in the UK and USA as a first line treatment for HIV. It is a very good combination treatment. It is generally very effective and easy to take.

The main caution with Atripla is that one of the side effects can be mood changes or sleep disturbance. This is linked to the drug efavirenz. For most people these side effects get better after a few weeks. As with all side effects it is important that you discuss this with your doctor. For more information on side effects with efavirenz and Atripla look at this link.

Once on treatment your viral load should drop quickly and your CD4 count will slowly increase. So this is good reason not to worry or to be scared. Treatment can make you feel better in just a few weeks.

If you would like some support within South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign. This link will take you to their website. You use the HIV 911 website to find services near you. Follow this link to their website.

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