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 Nozie,
Odimune is a generic version of an ARV called Atripla- please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/1561 Ideally it should be taken at night.
When can I take the odimune, in the morning or at night?
Hi Nozi,
No it doesn’t. If your partner is taking ARVs, this means that they are taking control of their health. If you’ve been having sex without a condom, as long as their viral load is undetectable, there’s no risk.
Hi I just found out that my partner is taking odimine treatment does that mean m positive too
Hi Buyi,
If your partner is positive, if they are taking ARVs and their viral load is undetectable, there’s no risk. Please see here: https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
It might be worth having a talk with your partner.
I just found out yesterday morning that my partner is taking Odimune, does that mean he’s HIV+, if he is positive then that means I’m also positive. Right now I’m very stressed.
They are many generic versions or brands of Atripla.they all contain the same combination so it’s not that your medication has been changed,just the brand.its like buying eggs from Woolies or eggs from pick n pay theyre still eggs.
Hi Nobukhosi,
Since you started taking medication, what ARVs have you been given? How long have you been taking odimune?
Hi I have been on treatment for over a year now and the doctor always changes my medication i don’t know why.Now I am taking odimune and i am experiencing changes with my well being such as stomach cramps that comes and go,headache,period pain cramps that make me vomitt.Can you please help i am afraid now
Hi Samuel,
I’m sorry to hear about your Mom. But it’s important she tells her doctor about these symptoms.
Felling dizzy, sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression are reported side effects of efavirenz. This is one on the drugs in Odimune.
So it’s a good idea to speak to the doctor about this. Your Mom can ask if there are other meds that will be easier for her to take.