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 Prudence
You are right that is is not good to stop meds once you have started. Overtime the CD4 count will drop again and this increases the risk of becoming ill.
Most doctors understand that other things cause people to leave health care. Anything you can do to help your friend return to see the doctor would be a good thing.
Also, the reason that they stopped treatment is important. If this was due to side effects there are likely to be other meds they could use.
Hi I just want to find out if a person has defaulted on medication and was taking odimune and felt scared to go back and collect medication and that person has been without it for more than ten months?
Odimune is a generic version of Atripla (http://i-base.info/guides/1561). As with any rash, this is something to talk to your doctor or clinic about so they can decide how serious this is.
I’ve been taking Odimune for two weeks now,the problem is now i have a skin rash and my skin is itchy all the time.Please help me on what may be the cause of this and how to treat it?
Hi Sisanda, being 10-15 minutes late with your meds should have no impact at all on your treatment. Generally it’s OK to be an hour early or late taking your treatment. You can read more about adherence here.
Hi
I just wana ask if is there any danger if I delay taking odimune by 10or 15 minutes.
Hi Vanessa
Odimune is a generic version of Atripla.
In the UK, this med is not recommended for people who are working shifts where there sleeping time often changes. This is because efavirenz – one of the meds in Odimune – needs to be taken just before bedtime.
If the side effects, including sleep problems which lead to tiredness, are make your life difficult, ask your doctor about alternative drugs.
My shifts rotate. I thought it would be best to take Odimune at 8, but now I feel tired after taking meds. Do I need to change the odimune?
Hi Karabo,
Your doctor may be able to give you something to reduce the bloating. It’s important to check with the clinic or pharmacy before taking any medicines for this as some over-the-counter treatments can affect ARVs.
Thanks Rebecca for coming back to me. When I mean something funny about my stomach, I meant bloated.