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 Blessing,
Odimune isn’t known to cause problems with a persons vision, therefore this is likely to be due to something else. What was your CD4 count when you were diagnosed?
Hi,Im blessing and I’m taking odimune,i recently noticed that my eyes have a problem its like things are just blurry can this be the side effects or what?
Hi goodness,
Atrozia and Odimune are both generic versions of Atripla. What this means is that they both contain the same compounds. Therefore its perfectly fine to use Odiumne instead of Atrozia.
I want to know is it a problem to be given Odimune at clinic when you’re usually given Atrozia.
Hi Thandeka,
Odimune is the same as Tribuss. If you didn’t develop resistance to the Tribuss then using the Odiume will be fine for you. What’s your current CD4 count?
Hello
I was diagnosed in 2011, started on teibuss but I defaulted. Then I was moved to lamzid, then I defaulted once again. I then went to the clinic, Odimune was prescribed. Now I’m old enough and I’ve seen my viral load, I know I can complicate my health if I don’t take it serious. Will odimune work on me? What further steps do I need to take?
Hi Vee, thanks for writing. It sounds like you are doing very well on treatment – your CD4 count is strong and your viral load is undetectable. I am sorry if the clinic is not ideal, but your health sounds good. Please ask your doctor about the other meds as there may be something related to your health, circumstances or history that explains this. The discussion with your doctor should include and explanation for why this might still be important.
Hi
I was diagnosed in 2015 and started treatment immediately. My viral load is undetected and CD4 is above 700. I started getting my pills from the public clinic and this has been the worst experience ever. Now I understand why people choose to stop taking their medication.
Before, I was taking Atroiza and multivitamins and now at the clinic I have been given Odimune, Bco and Ilvitrim. I dont know why the introduced the Ilvitrim. Do I need to take it or can I just leave it out. I have a lot of allergies so I dont want to take a pill Im not sure of.
Hi Goodness,
If you’re adhering to your medication, then its very possible that if your CD4 is decreasing and your viral load is increasing that the meds aren’t the right combination for you. Therefore, you may have to change. This is something that you’ll need to talk to your doctor about. For more info, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/changing
hi I’m goodness and I’m HIV positive I started my medication on February my cD4 count was 565 BT nw its 264 and my viral load is 6310 should I be worried I nid to know what causes my cD4 count to decrease instead of increasing plz help