Question
Questions about Tribuss
6 March 2013. Related: Adherence, All topics.
I was diagnosed with HIV in January 2013 during regular HIV testing. My CD4 count was 91 and my GP put me straight on Tribuss.
I’ve never been sick of any illness since July 2012. I’d like to know about Tribuss. What do I do if I forgot to take the pill and remember only the next day?
I have also been given Trixazole (Bactrim). Should I take the pill as well?
And what mult-vitamins will be good for me?
Answer
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis but I’m glad to hear how well you are feeling. Do you have any support to deal with finding out you have HIV?
Tribuss is a combination pill which contains three antiretrovirals (ARVs). These are efavirenz, FTC and tenofovir. This is a very widely used combination for treating HIV. Tribuss is a generic version of Atripla. Other generic versions include Trustiva, Tribuss or Odimune. You can read general information about this drug on our HIV meds page.
If you realise you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. BUT, if you only realise when you’re going to take your next dose, do not take a double dose.
Bactrim/Trixazole are antibiotics which your doctor has given to make it less likely that you will get ill with infections like pneumonia. These are recommended for anybody with a CD4 under 200 and it’s important that you keep taking these. In some countries it is recommended to continue taking these antibiotics as long as your CD4 count is still below 350.
Multi-vitamins don’t treat HIV. Unless you have a vitamin deficiency there is unlikely to be any benefit from taking a multivitamin and they are essentially a waste of money. You are better off spending your money on a healthy diet which will do more to keep your body strong than a multivitamin.
Some people find taking pills difficult. Although Atripla is quick large for a pill it is small compared to portions of food that you probably swallow much more easily. Some some of this may be psychological. this is a skill that you can learn with practice and your clinic may be able to help. Sometimes it is easier to practice by starting with something much smaller like a sweet and slowly get bigger as your confidence grows. Practice should certainly help. Taking a good gulp of water so that the pill just goes down with this. If you still have trouble and then ask your clinic if the same meds are available as separate smaller pills. For example. efavrienz is one of the meds in Atripla and instead of a 600 mg pill, some people take 3 x 200 mg pills that are smaller.
Hi guys! I’m on Tribuss and having problems of swallowing the pill. Can anyone suggest what can help.
Hi Bongi,
I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. This must be a very difficult time for you but it is good that you are looking for support to help you deal with this. Because you are in South Africa you could contact the Treatment Action Campaign for support in your area and to meet other HIV positive people. Your clinic should also be able to suggest local support groups or counseling services. Please let me know if I can help further!
I was recently diagnosed and do not have support and dont even know who to talk too, please help
Hi Rolien,
Most people take Tribuss at night, an hour or so before they go to bed. This can make side effects like dizziness and mood changes easier to deal with as you will be asleep when these would be worst. It’s wait at least 2 hours between a high fat meal and taking Tribuss as this can make side effects worse. Low fat foods don’t have the same effect. Please see this previous question for more info (Atripla is the name used for Tribuss in the UK).
I wud luv to knw,whn ist th best time 2 tke tribuss in th morng or nite.Befre u eat anythng in th morng or whn
Hi Vuvu, I tried to contact the email you gave but it didn’t work- please can you check this and get back to me. Or if you prefer you can ask your questions here and I will be happy to answer them online.
Hi sis , you can get hold of me i am in South Africa and i am taking Tribuss
It might help you to get some support from other HIV+ people. There are lots of organisations of positive people, such as the Treatment Action Campaign in South Africa, who can provide some peer support.
Thank you very much for your informative reply.I do talk to my loving mother who understands..but the problem is I can’t tell her everything because I’m afraid she might get stressed.