Question
I just started odimune and have difficult side effects.
15 May 2013. Related: All topics, Side effects, South Africa, Starting treatment.
Hi,
I started odimune last night and after two hours I felt like some things were crawling on my face,my ears became painful,my head feels like its going to explode and it went on until today. I can’t work please help.
Answer
Hello,
Thanks for your email. I’m sorry to hear about these difficult side effects you are experiencing.
It is very normal to have difficult side effects in the first few days and weeks of treatment. Some people may find that they need to take a few days off work while this is most difficult. Are you able to do this?
Most side effects will get better or go away after a few weeks. If these are very severe and you are worried you should talk to your doctor. If you have any rash you should show this to your doctor. You should be able to access some treatment to make these side effects easier- for instance painkillers for the headache.
There are a small percentage of people who cannot tolerate certain drugs. You could be one of these people. If the side effects do not go away after a month or so, then you need to discuss this with your HIV doctor. They can usually replace the drug, which is causing the side effect.
Please see our side effects guide for more information.
Hi Esme, I am sorry to hear your legs are feeling weak. How long have they been feeling like this? and is this something you have felt before? have you noticed any other symptoms?
I started odimune and I get weak and like my legs are giving up
Hi, Odimune contains efavirenz which is often the cause of most of the side effects associated with Odimune. These effects can last a few days but if you are still experiencing them you should seek advice from a doctor.
Odimune can be used as PEP though this would require a full 28 day course. Odimune is also rarely used because it contains efavirenz and has a risk of side effects – like what you have mentioned.
Is there reason to think this person you had sex with was HIV positive? It would be much more likely that they are negative. Also, transmission from one risky exposure is not likely to lead to someone becoming HIV positive. Please follow this link to read more about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi I took odimune today because I was panicking about having unprotected sex few days later I had rash. These are my late mom’s pills . Now I feel dizzy I want it to stop. I’m not hiv tested. How long does one pill make up nauseous for?
Do they work as PEP?
Hi Lungile, what time of the day are you taking Odimune? Often people take it at night to avoid some of the more unpleasant side effects like mood disturbance. You have only been on it a week. Often side effects are worse in the first few weeks of taking ARVs. This often settles as your body adjust and should lessen. If things do not improve it is important you discuss this with your doctor.
Hi it’s been a week now taking odimune I can’t sleep at night please help
Hi Anonymous,
If your mother is losing weight and she’s not eating she needs to be seen by a doctor. This isn’t something that we’re able to help with.
hey my mom is infected with hiv and she’s critically ill i mean she has lost weight and stuff
currently taking odimune and not recovering
she’s not even eating