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
I used Odimune last night and my stomach is bloated when i read the side effects i didn’t see any of that stomach and on the leaflets directions says they should be taken on an empty stomach at the end said been better to take them on bed time I’m confused not sure which is right here I need to do the right thing and I would like to know why they keep on giving the different medication rather then give one so that people cannot have more problems.
Hi Lyle,
Odiumne and Tribuss are both generic versions of Atripla. What this means is that they contain the same compounds. Were you having bad dreams with the Odiumne, or has it just started since you began to take Trubuss? How long have you been taking ARVs?
I was on Odiumne, now I’m on Tribuss. It’s been a while and I’m still having bad dreams.
Let start looking after our health everyone should know he or she status.
Hi Naty,
Odimune is a generic version of Atripla. The side effects that you’ve mentioned are common when you start ARV combination. They should go within a few weeks. For more info, please see the following links:
http://i-base.info/qa/14360
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
I started Odimune few days ago, I’m losing my head and feeling dizzy, how long will this last?
Hi Fatima,
It’s good you’ve started treatment. But not good that you feel drugged. Odimune contains a drug called efavirenz and this can make some people feel dizzy and sleep badly.
You can ask your doctor if there is another tablet you can switch to because you are feeling this side effect. Many people switch their meds if they have a side effect. Getting the meds that suit you personally is important.
Hi*am Fatima from S.A I started Odimune 3 days ago but once I take the tablet I feel like m drugged I can’t do anything n I don’t have appetite to eat please help me what can I do
Hi Penelope, it is good you have started ART as this is likely to make your CD4 count even stronger. Without knowing how much weight you have lost is is difficult to comment. What does your doctor say about this?
Hi i tested my my cd count was 650 in Sept i started odimune in Oct n began loosing weight …should i be worried