Question
I’m taking Atenef and having side effects, is it ok to take vitamins?
29 August 2021. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
Hi i am HIV positive and have been since 2007. My CD4 count is 533 and they started me on ARV(Atenef).
It has been two weeks that i have been drinking this medication and its making me dizzy. It gives me headaches, my joints are very painful and i get very tired throughout the day.
What vitamins can I take?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
The side effects that you are describing are common when starting Atenef.
They usually get easier within 2-4 weeks. If they are still difficult, then please talk to your doctor. There should be other combinations you can use.
In 2021, this includes a new combination called TLD.
For more info on Atenef, (a generic version of Atripla) please see this link:
https://i-base.info/guides/1561
Vitamins are not likely to reduce side effects. Vitamins will not directly help your viral load or CD4. For a more in-depth answer on vitamins please see this link:
https://i-base.info/qa/1873
This answer was updated in 2021 to include information about TLD. The question was first posted in 2016.
Hi I have started taking my atenaf recently and m pregnant…so iam experiencing rush on my body …it comes and go ..my doctor said is allergy should I be worried or all will pass
Hi Lerato,
As Lisa says, side effects like this are common when starting Atenef. But they usually go away in the first few weeks.
But please see this guide to Atenef (it’s a generic version of Atripla). This guide says to take before bedtime, on an empty stomach (or not with a high fat meal). A high fat meal increases drug levels of efavirenz, the main drug in Atenef, by 60%. This increases the likelihood of side effects.
Taking the pill at night reduces side effects as you will be sleeping when drug levels are highest.
I started my treatment on the 21st January 2020 (atenef) I’m feeling dizzy and tired feel like I can vomit, please help me what can I do to reduce the side effects?
Hi Gezephi,
ARVs need to be taken at a time that works for you. If you’re OK with taking them at 12, then great. The important thing is that you take them.
Hi I started atenef)ARVs in feb and my viral load is undetectable,but i changed the time from taking them st 8 in the evening I take them st 12 in the afternoon it’s been 2weeks now without sides effects,is it ok to take them that time or it’s compulsory to take them at 8
Hi Noxolo,
It looks like Relicalm is an amino acid. This is not listed on the HIV drug interactions website. But if you’re taking any supplements along with your ARVs please let your doctor know. That’s because some herbs can supplements can change the way your ARVs work.
It’s great that you’re doing well. If you have access to your viral load and CD4 count results, please let us know.
Hello, can I take relicalm tablets for anxiety when im on ARVs(taking the Atripla pills)..also I’m currently undetectable and doing very well
Hi Xolela,
Are you taking HIV treatment (ART)? And do you have access to your viral load and CD4 count results? Please let us know how it’s going.
Please see this guide to a balanced diet and your health. There’s a lot in here about foods that are high in calories and nutrition. You can also talk to your doctor and ask to see a dietician to help you gain weight.
Good day i’t’s 6 years now living with hiv, please help me how ca I gain weight?
Hi Rossey,
It’s common to feel like this when you start taking the meds that you’re taking. You should only feel this way for a few weeks. Please see here for more info: http://i-base.info/guides/side/starting-treatment-for-the-first-time