Question
Are generics the same as brand-name drugs?
4 January 2016. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects, South Africa.
I live in South Africa and have recently been advised by my medical aid that they will be changing all Atripla patients to a generic drug called Tribuss.
This is because Tribuss is cheaper.
I have checked with my doctor and she advised that there is no reason to worry because it is almost the same thing – just that the other is a generic.
My concern was around side effects. I wanted to know if I should expect going through the side effects all over again.
My other question is what is the actual difference between the actual drug and a generic?
Answer
Your consultant has given you the good information about Tribuss.
The main difference between generics and brand-name drugs is just the cost. Generic drugs cost much less than brand-name counterparts.
The active ingredients for the generic and brnd versions are both the same.
Generic drugs might be a different shpae size or colour but they have the same activie ingredients. They are just as effective and also have the same risk of side effects.
Generic drugs are also carefully tested. They undergo similar strict regulations for safety and its effectiveness. In the UK, between 65% to 85% of all drugs prescribed by the NHS are generic.
In theory, you should not have any side effect problems, since they share the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs. However, if you do get from side effects, please talk to your doctor.
This answer was lightly edited in January 2016 from an original answer in February 2012.
Hi Tem,
Tribuss contains three HIV drugs- efavirenz, FTC and tenofovir. Nausea is very common in the first few weeks of treatment. This should get better within time but if it is a problem your doctor should be able to prescribe some medication to help with this. The dizziness you are experiencing is likely to be a side effect of efavirenz. This is a very normal side effect. It is important to take efavirenz at night, a couple of hours before you go to sleep. This means that the highest levels of drug will be in your body while you sleep, and should mean side effects are milder than if you take it at bedtime or during the day. For most people these side effects get better after a few weeks. If they don’t get better, or if you are finding them very difficult, you should talk to your doctor. S/he may be able to suggest ways to manage these side effects. Or if you want to change medication you should be given this option- some drugs are not for everyone.
Our guide to side effects contains a page with more information about efavirenz side effects which you might find useful.
Hi, I have been on tribuss for a week and I’m always dizzy. I get nauseous in the morning and at night but dizzy the whole day. Are these side effects normal and if they are how long will they last? Please help.
Hi
Tribuss is a combination of three generic ARVs, one of which is efavirenz.
Although for many years doctors recommended switching to another medicine than efavirenz, this is no longer the case.
UK guidelines say that it is ok for someone who becomes pregnant on efavirenz to continue taking it through the pregnancy. This is because a lot more research that show efavirenz is not associated with higher risks to your baby.
Good luck with everything.
i-Base have a guide to pregnancy that has lots of other information your might find helpful:
HIV, pregnancy and women’s health
I am currently on tribuss and I think I might be pregnant. What will it affect ma baby if I am pregnant. Am scared bt so far I think am doing good with the medication I hvnt experinced any sid effects
Hi Pet,
Weight loss like this is not associated with Tribuss (Atripla). It is important that this type of weight loss is discussed with a doctor. It is possible that this weight loss is a symptom of another infection.
Is it possible that someone on Tribuss can have rapid weightloss? Started treatment on the 4th May 2012 and has lost 3kg.
Hi Mandy,
So long as your doctor is happy that the current rash is not related to any medication then you should be fine to start tribuss.
I’ve been prescribed to use tribuss the thing is I have rash and I learned that a side effect of this drug is a rash. Should I start using it or should they give me new drug. I am afraid it’s going to get worse. Or should I start?
Thanks for adding your experiences (and for the nice feedback).
Good luck with your meds – you are right that the active ingredients are all the same.
Am currently in SA, I have found all information posted on this site very usefull & educational to me as I also have changed from Atripla to Tribuss and just like other people, I was a bit concerned and hesitant up until I emailed my Dr & she therefore gave me a go ahead on the Tribuss as it is basically the same as Atripla just cheaper,as you have advised. Started with Tribuss 2 weeks ago, no problems @ all, besides ugly colour is has, swallowing it is much easier.
You guys are doing a fantastic job in responding to our questions and concerns.
Thank you, thank you, keep it up!!!