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,
Odimune is a widely used pill. It is a generic version (a copy) of a pill called Atripla. It is common to get the kind of side effects you are describing when you start a a new medication. They usually get better after a couple of weeks. If they do not it is important to tell you clinic or doctor about what you are experiencing. They can help you work out if your symptoms are side effects of your medication or caused by something else. They will also be able to tell you if there are other medications available that you could change too.
You can find more information on Tribuss here:http://i-base.info/guides/1561
i started Odimune 2 days back and i always feel tired,dizzy, what must i do to stop that
Having a lower CD4 count should not stop you from having a baby. Many women living with HIV who have a low CD4 count have gone on to have babies.
The most important thing in having a HIV negative baby is for your viral load to be undetectable by the time you give birth. It is great that you are already on treatment. Because you are only two weeks pregnant and your viral load of 28 was low anyway this should happen pretty quickly. It is important to keep taking your meds to make sure it stays that way.
Hi I started to take treatment (odimune) this year in April and my cd4 count was 165 and viral load was 28 , now its June and I just find out that I’m 2 weeks pregnant. Plz can I ask that Is it safe for me to continue with my pregnancy ? Plz help…
Odimune is a generic version (a copy) of a pill called Atripla. THe symptoms you are describing sound like they may be side effects of the medication. Side effects usually get better after a few weeks. This happens as your body gets used to the drugs.
If it does not get better you can talk to your clinic or doctor and see if there are other combinations available.
You can find more information about Odimune here: http://i-base.info/guides/1561
This includes details about side effects and when and how to take the meds.
I was diagnosed 8years ago and even had a child during this stage but I’ve been well with no infections or deseases until my cd4 droped to the treatment stage. I have recently started Odimune 3 days back since then Im feeling nausea all day,Im forcing food with no appetite,is this normal? If yes then when will this go away? Im scared Im going to lose weight if this persist.
Hi,
Did you post your comment here because you are taking Odimune?
Odimune is a generic version (a copy) of a pill called Atripla. One of the three drugs in the tablet is called efavirenz. It sounds like you may be experiencing side effects of this drug.
Side effects usually get better after a few weeks of starting medication. This happens as you body gets used to the drugs.
In the UK it’s recommended that you take Odimune before bed. This means that you will be sleeping when drug levels and side effects are highest. It is also important to not take Odimune with food. This can increase the levels of drugs in your body and make side effects more severe.
It is important to let your clinic or doctor know about the symptoms you are experiencing.
You can find more information about Odimune here: http://i-base.info/guides/1561
I have dizziness,tiredness and loss of concentration. I would like to know how long these side effects will last.
Hi Nomusa
Please talk to your doctor in case they can arrange for free meds.
It is okay house different makes of the same meds, but you should be using another persons medicine if they need this, only if they have changed to other drugs and have some of the old medicines that they no longer need.
I have been using Atripla since 2011 and I have been buying it now I can’t afford it anymore,my niece is using Atrozia now I borrow from her is it okay? My other friend gave me Odimune am I going to have a problem if I use one of these other, instead of Atripla, I’m very scared pls reply soon please,