Question
Could changing from Atripla to Tribuss have caused my viral load to increase?
18 May 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, South Africa.
During my last test (6 months ago) my VL was less than 40.
Three months ago, my medical aid changed my medication from Atripla to Tribuss and have been taking my medication regurlaly as required.
I just received my latest test results now and my VL is 686. Could the change of medication have caused the VL to increase? Is it normal that it would increase so significantly in such a small period of time?
What could have caused the VL to increase so much?
Answer
Tribuss is a generic version of the brand name drug Atripla. They contain the same chemical properties and it is unlikely that swapping from one to the other would cause a change in how effective they treatment was.
Your doctor will need to find out why your viral load has increased and if this is a real result. How are you doing with taking your meds? These drugs are usually able to keep viral load undetectable if you are careful to take them at the same time every day. Are you taking any other medications that might be affecting your drug levels?
It’s important to have a second test to confirm these results. This is because there is a possibility that this could be a temporary blip or a lab error, and this needs to be checked before any change of treatment is made.
Did your clinic draw blood for another test when you received your last test results?
If the second test result shows that your viral load has increased your doctor will probably discuss the options for changing treatment. If possible you should have a resistance test to see if you have developed resistance to any of the drugs in your combination.
Please take a look at this link for more information about viral load tests and changing treatment.
I’m loosing weight and I lost my shape since I started using ARV’s… I need help how can I solve this problem?
Thank u very much simon
Hi
Any side effects is something to talk to your doctor or health worker about. This is especially important for rash, so that a professional can look at the rash in case it is serious.
Tenerenz contains three HIV meds in a single pill. These are generic versions of efavirenz, tenofovir and 3TC.
Rash can be a side effect of efavirenz, you need to speak to someone who can decide whether this is mild or serious, and then decide the appropriate treatment.
Weight gain is common, especially during the first six months of treatment. Talk to your doctor about this too. The first option is usually to look at diet and exercise, even if this is a side effect.
Hi
I’m hiv postive n just started using Tenarenz 5 mnths ago, lst mnth my face develop ichy rash. Is this a side-effect? And I’m also gaining lot of weight I’m very stressed, can you help.
Hi again,
If you and your partner want to have a child then being HIV positive shouldn’t stop you. PLease see our pregnancy guide for information about conception and pregnancy.
me and my partner are both positive is it safe to have a baby now my viral load is undectatable both of us and my cd 4 count is 270 his cd 4 is 375
Hi GM,
Tenarenz is a new fixed dose combination tablet which is very similar to tribuss. The difference is where emtricibatine (FTC) is used in tribuss this has been changed to lamivudine (3TC) in Tenarenz. These two drugs are, however, very similar. One is not stronger than the other. It is very unlikely that you will see any change either in your viral load response or in side effects, but do speak to your doctor if you experience any changes.
i have been using tribuss for the past six months and my viral load was undectatable but now ive changed to the new tablet tenarenz is it stronger than tribuss please help
Hi Lindiwe,
Many women do not start treatment until much later in pregnancy and still go on to have HIV negative babies. UK guidelines recommend that women with high CD4 counts (above 350) start treatment around 20-24 weeks of pregnancy, so you have started in plenty of time.
Your baby will be given zidovudine as an extra precaution after birth. S/he will usually take this for 4-6 weeks, or possibly for longer if you are breastfeeding. Please see our pregnancy guide for more information, and also our pregancy FAQs. Let me know if you have any further questions!
Hey Rebecca I’m 6weeks pregnant and just started using tribuss 2weeks ago,so I would just like to know if my child will be at risk of infection because of the 4weeks I was not on tribuss and will I also have to use Zedovudine for my baby to take after birth for 6weeks as lethabo ?