Q and A

Question

How soon can I eat after taking Odimune?

I hear you say its advisable to take odimune (efavrienz+ FTC+ tenofovir) at bed time and its only taken on empty stomach, how long exactly should i stay away from food before taking it? The reason i am asking this is I can not starve the whole day before taking the tablet.

Answer

Saying that Odimune needs to be taken on an ’empty stomach’ doesn’t mean you need to starve yourself. It is fine to eat something before or when you take this, but you have to be careful to make sure this is not a high fat meal.

A high fat meal will increase levels of efavirenz and so you may get more side effects (mood changes, anxiety, disorientation or interrupted sleep etc). Food low in fat or with just a little fat, will be fine.

More about this is explained in this question: What happens if don’t take Atripla on an empty stomach?

Odimune is a generic version of Atripla which includes the same meds but is just made by a different company.

236 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Albus,

    The above post explains how you should take the meds that you’re taking as well as when you can/can’t eat.

  2. Albus

    After taking (Efa+Lamiv+Teno) at 9 pm , how long do I need to wait to eat a meal ? I usually eat something before sleeping in bed.

  3. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Sanna,

    Yes you can use caster oil, this won’t interact with the Tribuss.

  4. Sanna

    Hi can I take caster oil while on arvs
    In taking tribuss and tyricten
    Thanks

  5. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Omphile.

    Odimune and Atrozia are both generic versions of Atripla, please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/1561 They don’t need to be taken at the same time. You can take the Odimune once you’ve finished the Atrozia.

    With regards to your CD4 count, it’s not possible to say how long someone has been positive from their CD4 count. Therefore what you’ve been told by your clinic isn’t correct.

  6. Omphile

    Hi I tested positive last month and they gave me atroiza so when I got back for check up they said my cdc is 400 which means the virus was inside me for a while then they gave me Odimune pills so am confused weather I should take both atroiza and odimune the same time or I should continue taking atroiza up until I finish them then Take odimune after atroiza is finished pls help

  7. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Passion,

    Weight loss can be due to numerous issues, if this is a problem you’ll need to talk to your doctor. If your HIV is under control, it’s very unlikely that it’s due to your status.

  8. Passion

    I’m hiv and on treatment but I’m looking weight I’m so skinny. What can I use to gain weight ?

  9. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Zwelithini,

    Taking supplements with your ARVs should always be checked with your doctor first. That’s just in case they can interact with your ARVs.

    Taking oil made from castor beans sounds fine, as it looks like this contains omega fatty acids. If you’re looking for tips on healthy foods, please see this guide to a balanced diet and your health.

  10. Zwelithini

    Hi… Can I take castor oil while on arvs?

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