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.
Greetings
I am in a relationship with an HIV person. Recently he decided to take out the condom during sex without me noticing. The biggest concern is that he is not taking his treatment right. I went to the clinic the same day. I was given Odimune for prevention. I was not given injection or anything else.
How effective is Odimune to prevent HIV alone without any other treatment.
Hi Mthembu,
I hope you don’t mind but I’ve shortened your comment. That’s because we are not doctors at i-Base. But we do provide up to date treatment info for people who are HIV positive and their families and friends.
However, I hope she’s not taking Atenef, Atroiza and Odimune at the same time because each one is a single treatment.
The good news is that those of us who are HIV positive and with an undetectable viral load on treatment can not transmit HIV, even if we don’t use condoms.
Anxiety and depression are a reported side effect of this medication, please see Atripla at this link. But she can ask the doctor to switch to other meds that will be easier to take and that don’t have this side effect.
Please see Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) at this link for more info.
I have started a relationship with someone whom I love dearly but she has never told me that she has a virus. I discovered recently that she is taking Atenef, Atroiza and Odimune and she is complaining of anxiety and depression, I suspect this is dye to fact that she failed to open up to me and she is afraid that I might discover that and confront her about it.
Hi Tammy,
It’s good to hear you’re on ART. It looks like it’s working well as your viral load is undetectable at <20 copies/mL.
Are you taking Odimune? Weight gain is not a reported side effect of this drug. But if you’re adding too much weight you can ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian. That might help.
Also, please see this guide to a balanced diet and your health. There’s a lot of tips in this guide about how our diet can help us lose or gain weight.
As there are some HIV meds that have been associated with weight gain, please let us know if you’re not on Odimune.
Hey L
I’m 24 years and currently on ART, I think am adding too much weight due to the drug
The last viral load test I did was <20 copies/mol
Hi Lerato,
It’s good to hear that you’re taking HIV meds (ARVs). That’s because ARVs can look after your health, and your baby’s health too.
But please talk to your doctor about these side effects. They are reported side effects of efavirenz. And efavirenz is the main drug in Odimune. So you can ask your doctor to switch your treatment to something that will be easier for you to take.
Please let us know your viral load and CD4 count results.
I’m currently 24 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with HIV. I started the Odimune treatment last week and since then I’ve been experiencing dizziness/drowsiness as a side effect and I only vomitted when I was on my second pill.Yesterday night I felt insinuated. Feelings of anxiety, depression,loneliness,hopelessness started kicking in all at once. I felt trapped as if I’m caged. It really seemed serious as I did not know what to do with myself. The feelings are foreign.Is this normal when taking Odimune and is there something I can do should the feelings revisit?
Hi Lebo,
First, many congratulations on the news that you’re going to have a baby.
But I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. But it’s good that you’ve started HIV treatment (ART). That’s because it’s the best way to look after your health, and your baby’s health.
If Odimune is making you vomit and feel dizzy you can ask your doctor for other HIV meds that will be easier for you to take.
The aim of your ART is to reduce viral load to less than 50 copies/mL by the time you deliver your baby. You can also ask at the clinic if the are other meds that can reduce your viral load more quickly than Odimune. Treating your HIV can reduce the risk of HIV to your baby to close to zero.
Please see this guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health. There’s a lot of info in this, including for after your baby is born.
I went for my antenatal appointment yesterday and tested positive for HIV. They gave me Odimune and I started the treatment. The problem is I can’t keep any food down and the dizziness is making things worse. Should I wait for the 1st week to pass before getting worried because I’m on my 2nd trimester..?
Hi Nothi,
Do you mean you have leaky nipples and you’re not even pregnant? This is not a reported side effect of Odimune.
But please see your doctor and discuss this with them.