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.
Taking Tribuss is the only way to increase your CD4 count. Continuing to take your meds will help keep HIV to undetectable levels. There are no reports that Tribuss affects blood pressure. But having high blood pressure is a serious health condition. We are not doctors and we can’t diagnose health conditions online or via email. Talk to your doctor urgently about your high blood pressure.
I am HIV positive, for the past 15 years I am not on ARVs, my CDV 4 count has dropped to 287 and went up up to 308. I still feel strong I weight 108kg for the past 10 years, eat good and it is only my BP that is still uncontrollable 160/100, though I take drugs (3 pills) per day. I did receive the Tribuss tablets. Can I continue with it or without it?
Hi Vivi
It is good you are on treatment as this will be good both for you and your baby.
Please talk to your doctor about this. One thing you could do is perhaps to change to a different treatment until the baby is sleeping better through the night.
Efavirenz is not a good medicine to take if you have to get up during the night or work at night. This is becasue the side effects you are getting are easier if you are sleeping.
Hi ive found out i was + last year when i was pregnant my doctor prescribed tribuss right away, but my problem is im struggling with side effects since i have to wake up evrg 2 to 3hours to feed my bby . i feel very funny but in sick way , wht can i do in order for me to better.
Hi,
This kind of side effect is common with Tribuss. When are you taking it? Taking it before you go to sleep might help you avoid this.
I want to know why i get dizzy after using Tribuss?
I have a problem with my speech. It has now become slow and I can not speak properly. Could these also be one of the side effects?
Each person responds differently. In general, this should get better within the first week or two.
Please tell you doctor about this. Your doctor needs to know how bad this is. i-Base can’t do this by email.
Hi
Please contact your doctor today to talk about this.
This may be a symptom of a different illness. It might not be a side effect.
Your doctors needs more information to decide how serious this is and what to do about it.
Hi
Interupted sleep is a common side effect of efavirenz, which is one of the drugs in Tribuss.
Although this usually gets easier please tell you doctor so this is monitored. If the side effects continue that most guidelines recommend changing to a diffrent treatment.
Are you taking your meds just before your go to sleep? This is best. Also, to make sure you don;t eat a heavy meal within two hour before you take the Tribuss.
This page has more infomration:
http://i-base.info/guides/side/cns-side-effects