Question
What should I expect from starting Odimune?
30 October 2012. Related: All topics, South Africa, Starting treatment.
I have been positive for 14 years without any complications, nothing.
A few months ago, I had some tingling started around my eyes and then a rash (not severe).
I decided it was time for treatment, visited the doctor, did the necessary tests (CD4 = 247) and (viral load = 12,000 copies).
Treatment regime = Odimune.
I researched this and am scared. Please explains what happens from here on with regards to HIV progression to AIDS, and what does odimune exactly do? Apart from the doc explains?
Answer
Odimune contains three HIV medications – efavirenz, FTC and tenofovir. It is a generic version of Atripla. This link has more information about this combination.
This is a very effective treatment combination that is very widely used. It is recommended in many countries including the UK, USA and South Africa for first line treatment.
Although it’s normal to be concerned when starting treatment this is the only way to stay well in the long term. When you start treatment your viral load will go down very quickly. Your CD4 count will increase over time.
Without treatment your body is vulnerable to infections, and eventually to AIDS progression. But by starting treatment your immune system will get stronger. With treatment the life expectancy for people with HIV is about the same as for HIV negative people.
For more information about starting treatment please see our Introduction to combination therapy guide.
Hi Priscilla – luckily most people do not get side effects – and you are lucky in this. The meds are still working.
Hi ever since i started my treatment i never have side effects. Does that mean they are not working?
Hi Lulu
HIV meds are likely to still be fine even after the expiry date – at least for a year. This is especially the case for compressed tablets like Odimune (compared to capsules) as the solid form makes them more stable.
My relative have Odimune expired on January 2016 can she still use it for treatment or destroy the issue. Please advise
Hi Mpuse. Please talk to your doctor about your concerns. The three meds you listed all contain the same active ingredients, so one shouldn;t cause more poreblems than another. If you are pregnant then this might be why you are feeling sick. Although the CD4 count drops a little in pregnancy, this usually increases again afterwards. Please tlak to your doctor though.
Hy im mpuse at first they give me tribuss,after that atripla now its odimune and im vomiting everyday with no appetitite worst part im pregnant they said my cd4 count has droped to 185 what should i do im very worrried.and I’m really tired
Facial wasting was a side effect associated with older HIV drugs, such as d4T and AZT. Fat loss is not linked to current treatment.
But you can talk to your doctor about facial wasting and about its cause. If it is affecting your quality of life you can ask if there is treatment available for you.
Can Odimune or any HIV treatment cause facial wasting especialy on the face
Hi Tebogo,
We are not doctors, but we do provide HIV treatment information.
However, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about these symptoms. Passing black waste and having stomach pains can be a sign of bleeding in the stomach. For example from a stomach ulcer.
Your symptoms could be unrelated to Odimune, so it’s a good idea to have a check up as soon as you can.
I have been on the treatment for 8 months now and when I went for my last visit at the clinic they gave me Odimine, after weeks using it I started having the burning feeling in my stomach but I continue taking the medication and now the pain I getting worse especially at night after taking the pill and now I’am passing black waste and that is making me worried.