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.
My mom is using Odimune shes now hallucinating is this part of the effect and if there is anything I can do what is it ,I’m not sure how long has she been using this
Hi Vivian.
Are you saying that you’ve just had stomach ache twice, both times being on a Thursday? If you are, then it’s very unlikely that this is related to the medication as side effects don’t really come and go like this. Did you perhaps eat something that could have caused this?
Other than the stomach ache, how are you doing?
Hi my name is Vivian, i Just started odimune on the 23th June 2020,two days later which was Thursday night i started to have a terrible stomach ache for a day, the following week on Thursday night again i had stomach ache, is this normal or should i be worried ‘
Hi Bongeka,
If you’re referring to menstrual bleeding, then this has nothing to do with the ARVs. ARVs don’t cause this type of side effect. If you’ve been bleeding for more than usual, you need to see a doctor.
It’s a month now taking odimune pill. Is it normal to bleed while I’m using it . It stress me know
Hi Philiswa,
Atrozia and Odiume are both generic versions of Atripla, please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/1561 What this means is that they contain the same compounds. It’s common to switch between the generic versions.
I was using atroiza for three months suddenly changed to odimune,whats this means and what should i expect?
Hi Vuyelwa,
If your helper has issues with her skin, she’ll need to discuss this with her doctor. It could be HIV related or it could be due to something else. It won’t be the meds as he’s just started them. If she’s using ARVs then she’s already doing the best thing possible for her immune system, therefore there’s no need for her to use an immune booster.
Your grandchild isn’t at risk, either is anyone else in your home.
My helper just started this treatment today, her skin is bad I must say, what I need to know is the safety of my 13month grand child she looks after.
Secondly what imune booster are recormended with this treatme nt?
Hi Nduduzo,
Odiume isn’t used to treat asthma, it’s an ARV. It’s used by people who are HIV positive.