Question
Can I go back to Trenvir (efavirenz-based ART) in Reydin (dolutegravir-based) is difficult?
25 April 2022. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects, South Africa.
I had been on Trenvir then the doc put me on Reydin. I had terrible allergic reaction and was told to stop rRydin. I was then given Trivenz but I still suffer from debilitating rashes, nausea and sleeplessness.
What can I do? I was told by my pharmacist that Trenvir is too old and I should use a more modern version. I did not have the itch, nausea and sleeplessness on Trenvir. If I go back on Trenvir, will it still work?
Please I am rather desperate.
Answer
Thanks for your questions.
Although i-Base is in the UK we get many questions from south Africa.
Most HIV treatments in SA are generic versions and there are many different brands and names.
Please see this link for the most of the generics used in SA:
https://i-base.info/guides/12423
Reydin contains dolutegravir + tenofovir D + lamivudine. This is the latest medicine in SA.
Trenvir and Trivenz contain the same meds – efavirenz + tenofovir D + emtricitabine. This is the older meds. side effects should be the same, so I can’t explain why only one of these was difficult. IT might have been becasue you switched to a Reydin though, and just got new side effects when you went back to the Trivenz version
Although most people do better on the more modern meds, some people tolerate the older drugs better. In your case it is okay to go back to that combination. Your doctor needs to arrange this though. The pharmacist might not know these details.
So long as this brand is still available is it okay to go back to Trenvir. This is only is your viral load was undetectable when you last used it.
Please work with your doctor to get the best meds for you.
Hi Nonduduzo, Trenvir and Reydin both use lamivudine. The only difference between the two is Trenvir uses efavirenz and Reydin uses dolutegravir.
This is a common switch and it is good that your doctor has suggested this. This is because Reydin is a generic version of TLD. TLD is generally a better tolerated medication than Trenvir and has fewer side effects.
Switching will not risk changes in your blood work. This is discussed more here: https://i-base.info/qa/18749
How the treatment looks does now have an effect on how the treatment works. Lots of tablets will look different with changes in colour and shape. This is purely a design by the manufacturer and does not change how the treatment works. A blue tablet is nothing to be concerned about.
Hi i was on Trenvir.Nd my Dr said that my medecal aid want me to be on Reydin now.So its my first time using this one with Lamivudine.I didnt started Reydin yet.But am afraid.Even worse its blue in colour.What is the difference between this 2.My bloods are fine 100%