Question

Will switching from Tribuss to Trivenz give me efavirenz side effects again?

16 September 2014. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects, Southern Africa.

My medical aid want to change my ARV supply from Tribuss to Trivenz because it is cheaper.

I was diagnosed a year ago and was put on tribuss ever since. The only problems I had with tribuss was when I took it for the first time, I went through a lot of side effects and I am just afraid that I will have to go through the same experience when changing medications.

Tribuss also brought my life back to normality after a very serious illness that is the reason I do not want to agree with this decision.

I also want to send my thanks from South Africa for all the good advice.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

Thanks for your question.

Your health team are giving you good advice and there is no risk from switching.

Both Tribuss and Trivenz are generic formulations of Atripla. They contain the same active medicines in the same proportions. They are all equally good at treating HIV and they all have similar side effects.

Switching from one manufacturer to another should not mean you get the initial side effect again.

In the UK, generic ARVs are used if they save the health service money. Approximately 70-80% of all prescriptions in the NHS in the UK are for generic meds.

Thanks also for the nice feedback which is appreciated. We also have an online feedback form.

Hearing how the service works is really important for us.

44 comments

  1. Adelice •

    IF I MISS MY TREATMENT FOR 1 DAY WILL THERE BE ANY HARM ?

  2. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Portia,

    Weight loss, or weight gain, though now less common do happen. However its not known why people gain weight. If this is causing you problems you could ask to change treatment. This may help with the weight gain around your tummy.

    If this isn’t something that is possible, then exercise and diet could help. For more info please see the following:

    http://i-base.info/qa/2915

  3. portia •

    I’ve been on trivenz for over 8 months, I’ve develop a big time tummy. It looks I’m pregnant, but I’m not. I never had a big tummy the before treatment.

  4. Simon Collins •

    Hi Benjamin

    please see this FAQ page on risk and testing.
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  5. Benjamin •

    Good afternoon

    If a condom burst during intercourse, will using the triven pills for the next 28 days ensure that I do not get HIV?

    Thank you in advance for your response.

  6. Simon Collins •

    Hi Phumelele, the dizziness should get better within a few weeks. See this link for more info including tips that might help:
    http://i-base.info/guides/side/cns-side-effects
    You don’t say whether you want your weight to increase or decrease to get back to normal. Most people put on weight over the first six months on treatment.

  7. Phumelele •

    Hi I’m on Trivenz for almost 2 months now, but I am still not going back to my weight. How long will take me? Also how long to be back to normally with the dizzyness?

  8. Simon Collins •

    Hi Cosmos

    Missing one day is unlikely to cause any harm. Everyone misses a dose occassionally.

    If you are missing doses more often, them please talk to your doctor about this.

    It also depends on which meds you are taking.

  9. cosmo •

    How dengerous it is if missed your daily treatment is it possible that the viras is accumalating

  10. Bianca morris •

    Thanks alot for your advice..

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