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 Susan,
Have you lost the 7kilos since you began treatment, or has this been gradual? If you’ve lost 7kilos since you began ARVs, have you been ill? Also, other than the odimune are you taking anything else?
I just started odimune pills from December last year what to expects because my CD4 is 285 and I lost 7 kg.
Hi Sady,
How are you coping with your diagnoses? Are you getting any support?
Odimune is a generic version of Atripla. It is a very effective drug that works great with controlling a persons HIV. For more see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
You may also find our, ‘Introduction to ART’ guide helpful:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
I just found out that I’m HIV+, my CD4 is 320. They gave me odimune tablets. What is the work of this tablet on my body?
Hi Mr D,
ARVs are a type of medication that is used to treat HIV.
Arv
Hi Mr D.
TB meds are usually given for 6 months, they can however be given for longer periods of time. If you are worried, please talk to your doctor and ask them to explain why you still need to take them.
Please help me cause I have been diagnosed with MDR TB since October 2015 till today am still taking medication, they told me this gonna last for 18 month on treatment..is it true ? How long does it last to cure this TB.
Hi Babalwa,
If you’re having vaginal discharge you should talk to a doctor about this. This is because it may be related to your pregnancy.
ARVs aren’t known to cause brown vaginal discharge.
I am pregnant, at first I’ve was given atenef, now they gave me odimune. Now there is a vaginal discharge which is brown. I’m worried about my unborn baby.