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.
A few days after taking the pill, I’ll be thirsty non-stop; every morning when I blow my nose there will be blood clots in my mucus. Could this be one of the side effects? I was also told to take it at the same time at night but I sometimes take it 15/30 min after. Could this hsve a negative impact in its functionality?
Hi,
It is important to know that only ARVs will help control HIV. Vitamin supplements might help you in other ways but they will not have an impact on your HIV. If you are taking ARVs already it is important to check with your doctor or clinic that they are not affected by the vitamins you are taking.
How long does it take for vitamins to work in ur body for HIV….. Does it work fast or slow?
Hi,
Being on treatment is a good thing. The Tribuss will help control your HIV.
Tribuss does have some side effects but in most people these get better after the first couple of weeks of taking the medication. Many people who are HIV positive and on treatment can now expect to live as long as someone who is HIV negative.
You can find more information about Tribuss here:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
I went to the clinic today, they gave me Tribuss and i’m scared i don’t know what kind of effect will occur on my body. I’m stressed, im still young.
Hi,
Taking the Tribuss will actually help prevent your baby becoming HIV positive. Women taking Tribuss have not been recorded as having any more problems in pregnancy than women on other treatments.
You can find more information about HIV and pregnancy here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I have been diagnosed hiv+ and started with Tribuss five days before my embrio transfer in IVF. Is there any danger to tthe pregnancy?
Please advise ASAP. Thanks.
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear that. Side effects are common when you have started or changed treatment. Usually they get better after a few weeks. It is important to let your clinic or doctor know if they do not. They can help you work out if your symptoms are caused by your meds or something else.
Hi I have been taking tribuss for 2 weeks and yesterday i couldn’t sleep. My body was itching especially under my feet and the palm of my hands, also my ears. Should I be worried. Now I can see small rashes all over my body.
Yes! Starting treatment can definitely help even at lower CD4 counts. Tribuss is an effective medication that is widely prescribed.
You can find more information here:http://i-base.info/guides/1561