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 Mmaphuti,
If your viral load is detectable, then yes he is at risk of contracting HIV. Once you become undetectable the risk is no longer there. Please see here:
http://i-base.info/htb/32308
I’m positive, just started meds. My boyfriend is negative. He wants us to have sex without using a condom. Will he be infected?
Hi Lebonhang,
Weight loss can be due to a lot of different things. Therefore, this is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
Hi,I have been on Odimune for a year now everything was fine until now in August I noticed weight loss,m very worried.can this mean m now experiencing side effects.
Hi Leila,
Weight loss when on effective treatment isn’t a very common side effect. This is because ARVs are now so good. You also have a good CD4 count.
For more info about starting meds and what to expect, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Will I start to loss weight now that I start my treatment. My CD4 is 415.
Hi Lala,
Atenef and Odimune are generic versions of Atripla. The contain the same compounds. Please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
Therefore, its fine to take your new meds.
Hey is Lala again from South Africa this my 5th month on arv so far so good but in May my local clinic game me Atenef no today is Odimune and I didn’t start my treatment with them should I be worried about side effects or anything else due to changing of names? I didn’t have side effects when starting treatment and my CD4 is up and viral load is lower then detected 40lm weight and everything is good should I be worried cos of different names?
Hi Fatima,
Feeling dizzy when first starting Odimune is common. It should go within a few weeks, if not less. If it doesn’t then you should talk to your doctor.
If you aren’t taking it just before you go to bed, then this is something that you should try. For more info, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
I starting to take Odimune last Thursday. I fell dizzy every morning, what should I do?