Q and A

Question

I am pregnant, can I take Tribuss?

Hi Doc. I am 12 weeks pregnant and HIV positive. My doctor prescribed Tribuss for me.
My problem is when I refer from the leaflets it says for pregnant women Tribuss are not recommended so now I’m scared if my unborn baby will be safe or what.
Please help with your advice I’m confused. Thanks.

Answer

Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy. How are you doing generally? Are you in touch with other women living with HIV? Many find it helpful to share experiences of being HIV positive and pregnant.

I would just like to start off by confirming that we are HIV positive treatment advocates, not doctors.

In response to your question, Tribuss  contains the drugs efavirenz, FTC and tenofovir.  It is a combination that is now used by many HIV positive pregnant women worldwide.

I can appreciate your confusion especially as in the past, women wishing to conceive were advised not to use efavirenz. Or to switch if they found out they were pregnant whilst taking it.

However, over the past few years, this advice has now changed. Here in the UK, the current UK guidelines for the management of HIV in pregnancy recommend that efavirenz can continue to be used by women considering pregnancy. They also recommend that efavirenz can be used by women diagnosed HIV positive during pregnancy.

There are many reports of women throughout the world who have continued taking efavirenz during pregnancy.

You may find it helpful to read our guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health. The guide answers a lot of general questions you may have around HIV and pregnancy.

You may also find it helpful to contact TAC (Treatment Action Campaign). TAC are based in South Africa and support people living with HIV. They will be able to put you in contact with support groups near you.

Good luck for the rest of your pregnancy.

33 comments

  1. Antonique

    I had a miscarriage Tuesday Afternoon and I was also advised to continue using Tribuss but I also have concerns regarding Tribuss. Shouldn’t women who are pregnant be put on HIV Treatment as prenatal ART cause ARV are used to only lower the risk of passing HIV through sexual intercoarse and not suitable to be used for pregnancy just for partner to partner transmission my viral load was undetectable when I fell pregnant but the ARV’s waa not suitable for pregnant woman.

    I am concerned

  2. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Antonique,

    It’s perfectly fine to take Tribuss when trying for a baby or when you’re pregnant. In fact it’s important to use ARVs when pregnant as they help reduce the risk of transmission, please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy

    The ARVs that you’re taking won’t be the reason why you miscarried.

  3. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Sinovuyo,

    Though the information leaflet may say that it’s best not to take Telatri if you’re trying to get pregnant/are pregnant. However, the most recent data that we have says that it’s OK. Please see here: https://i-base.info/htb/37534 If you’re in doubt, please consult your doctor.

Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *