Question
Will switching from Tribuss to Trivenz give me efavirenz side effects again?
16 September 2014. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects, South 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
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.
Hi Sivuyisiwe,
Tribuss is an excellent ARV, however I can’t say if its the right option for you. Do you know why you’re being switched?
I’m changing from aluvia and adolamzid to tribuss is that safe?
Hi Vusi,
Many people find that shift work makes it difficult to take Trivenz. Please talk to your doctor about switching to meds that are easier to take.
If you live in South Africa you can ask if TLD will be okay for you to take. Please see this link.
You can contact the Treatment Action Campaign for local support. Here’s their contact page.
Hi,
I’m using Trivenz the problem is I’m going to work one week night and one week day,since Trivenz are taken at night it’s Gona be a problem for me when I’m at work,can you please recommend the suitable one for me
Thank you
Hi Lethi,
Sleep disturbance is a reported side effect of efavirenz, which is a drug in Trivenz.
Many people get mild side effects in the first week or two when starting HIV treatment. But you should see your doctor if your insomnia is severe and continues.
You can ask to switch to other meds if the sleep problems affect your work and daily schedule.
I started taking Trivenz on Thursday. Im having a problem with insomnia which has never been a problem before.
I’m a heavy sleeper but since taking this pill I find myself awake until the morning.
Is this supposed to be one of the side effects?
Thank you
Hi meshack,
At the moment injectable ARVs aren’t on the market. They are still in the developmental phase.
hello, i would like to know if is it possibilities of changing medication. trivenz to injection
Hi Nawo,
Tribuss and Trivenz are both generic versions of Atripla. What this means is that they both contain the same compounds. Please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/1561 These drugs are often interchanged, therefore I don’t know why you are losing weight. Please see a doctor about this.
I’m having a problem my medical aid changed my treatment from tribuss to trivenz and my CD4 count has been dropping ever since. What could be the reason for that.?