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.
Hi Amanda,
Many HIV positive women get pregnant while taking Tribuss and have healthy pregnancies and babies. Is your husband also HIV positive? You can read about HIV and pregnancy in our FAQS and our pregnancy guide.
Hi my name is amanda nd I want to hv a bby I wish to know
If it possible for me to get pregenate with me still taking tribuss
Tables I don’t wish to loos my hubby pls tell me what I must I
Do thank u advise will be highly appreciated
Hi Brian,
Many people experience sleep disturbance after starting Tribuss. This is because of a drug called efavirenz, which is in Tribuss. Usually this will improve after the first few weeks, although for a few people this is difficult enough that they choose to change to a different treatment. You can read more about efavirenz side effects, and tips on how to improve them, in our side effects guide.
I have just recently started using Trubus pills (2weeks ago) and I’m battling to sleep, can anyone assist me who had da same experience and what did they do to get sum sleep
Hi Sthembile,
Are you stressed about changing treatment or do you feel anxious since starting treatment?
I. Scared n stressed after changed to tribuss
Hi Faith,
How did you get on with your first dose of Tribuss? It’s normal to be nervous when you first start treatment but it’s important to remember that most side effects will be mild and will improve after the first few weeks. If you are worried though do talk to your doctor or nurse about this.
vuvu I’m also in S.A I’ll be taking tribuss for the first time in my life today and I’m afraid.
Hi Gladdy,
Getting an ‘undetectable’ viral load is the aim of treatment. This is when the viral load is very low, less than 50. If treatment is effective most people will have an undetectable viral load after the first 3-6 months on treatment. Occasionally this can take longer, for instance if you start with a very high viral load. You will still be HIV positive, but so long as you keep being adherent to your meds your virus will be kept under control. You can read more about viral loads here.
is it true that taking tribuss as im now 4 month taking them can make my viral load to go down where it might end up like being or having a low viral load?though ill still be possitive