Question
Can I take Tribuss with food?
5 July 2012. Related: All topics, Side effects, South Africa, Starting treatment.
Hi! I am 35 years and started taking my tribuss pill in February 2012. My problem is that I cant take the pill on an empty stomach. Can this make the pill to disfunction?
Answer
Hi,
Thank-you for your question.
Tribuss is a generic combination treatment which contains three HIV drugs. These are efavirenz, FTC and tenofovir. In the UK, this combination in a single pill is called Atripla.
Tribuss is usually recommended to be taken on an empty stomach is to reduce side effects. This is up to 60% more efavirenz is absorbed if it is taken with a high fat meal.
This would mean there is more efavirenz than you need and you may be more likely to get side effects. Side effects from efavirenz include dizziness, mood changes and sleep disturbance. Please follow this link for more information about efavirenz side effects.
However, the increased levels of efavirenz are connected to a high fat meal.
If you prefer to take Tribuss with some food this is fine, just not with fatty foods.
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Hi Denzil,
Please see our pregnancy guide for information about getting pregnant when you’re both positive.
Atripla and tribuss are the same HIV drugs, made by different companies. You shouldn’t experience any different side effects from the two medicines. There are no known interactions between your HIV treatment and the supplements you are taking. But it’s worth talking to your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. This previous question also has lots of information about herbal treatment and HIV.
hi rebecca
The mother of my son wants to have another baby and her cd4 375 and hasn’t started her medication and i have and my cd4 is 672,is it safe for us to have unprotected sex just when her ovals are at its peak? I’ve been taking Atripla then Tribuss and now back to Atripla,will this cause any side effects on me? I’m also taking Kelp,Cardio flow,centrum,vitaminB and milk thistle,will this cause any harm to my body?
I’m glad to hear things are going well, these are very good treatment responses!
Hi, thanks for the positive advice you always give us. On the issues i wrote to you about,i visited my doctor and further tests were made and the good news is that the viral load from 17000 to 20 and cd4 from 346 to 456, a good start. Still awaiting liver and kidney tests. Thanks.
Hi Miza,
Generally it’s important to take your ARVs the same time everyday. Although there can be some flexibility once you’ve been on your meds for some time, it’s important to be very adherent in the first few months. If you are not going to be able to do this because of your shifts you should talk to your doctor. S/he may be able to suggest a way around this.
I started tribuss on 22 oct my problem
Is friday and saterday I work nytshift
So is safe to take the pill in the morning friday and saterday?
But same time 8 oclock
Hi Wally,
The reason why tribuss is recommended to be taken at night is because this can make side effects easier. These side effects include dizziness and mood changes. If you are not having problems with side effects it’s fine to continue to take your treatment in the morning. How are you getting on with the other issues you contacted us about?
Hi, i’m taking my dose of tribuss every morning at 06h00 and feel comfortable with it. My concern is that the prescription says at bedtime,will there be unforseen side effect by taking it in the morning?
Hi Wally,
It’s very important that you go to a doctor to find out what is causing these symptoms. These may be a sign of side effects or another health issue.
Hi,i’ve been on tribuss for two months and now suddenly my bowels have gone green, whatever i eat is tasteless and my lips start to be purple and also countless headaches and stomach pains. Help