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 can I ask if Odimune is the reason m having watery breasts cause this started after I took them and I am not even pregnant.tnk u
Hi Sphesihle,
If you think that there could be an error with the test, you’re going to need to do another test. If it’s possible please also ask for a viral load test and CD4 count.
hey,i was also given odimune after i tested positive yesterday and they gave me the pills same day but i haven’t started taking them because my boyfriend told me that my result are a lie since i tested negative on August 13 this year and i have been using condom since then so im wondering how is it possible that i tested positive yesterday,im stressed by this i feel like i need someone to explain this for because im confused.
Hi Portia,
Switching to a fixed dose combination (FDC) in a single pill shouldn’t come with severe side effects.
If you think that an FDC is easier for you to take, your doctor should look at the option of giving it to you.
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign for local support.
Do you have access to your viral load and CD4 count results? Please let us know.
Hi I’m Portia I started the treatment in 2004 that is truvada & nevirapine, when single dose treatment came lately I wanted to go for it but my doctor refused saying this one is working well for me .Is there a problem if I change to FDC? now. what would be be severe side effect?
Hi Lihle,
Please talk to your doctor about what ARVs are best for you to take. Do you have access to HIV treatment?
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign for support to access HIV treatment.
Hi I would like to find out which medication(ARVs) i can use that does have Efavirenz
Hi Doreen,
If you had issues with Efavirenz in the past, you shouldn’t really be on Odimune, this is because this also contains Efavirenz. Did they tell you why you were changing?
Good day.
I’ve been HIV for 28years. I started the treatment in 2000. I was on 3TC,d4T and Efavirenz. Due to the side effects I had to stop that. Then since 2004 I was on Dumiva(Abacavir 600mg+Lamividine 300mg). So last month at clinic they changed my meds. The nurse said my kidneys are okay so I can use take 1 tablet which is Odimune. Do I have to be concern?? I started the tablets 3days ago. Then I’m itchy on my feet and hands. Can those be the effect of the New meds?
Hi Siyabonga,
Many people have mild side effects from HIV meds (ARVs) when starting HIV treatment. But these are usually mild and go away within a week or two.
If the dizzyness is severe and lasting, you can talk to your doctor about changing to ARVs that will be easier for you to take.