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.
I’ve started taking my ARV’s a year ago but I still have side effects and my body is always itching and time and time I develop infections especially on my butt and arms. Please help. One more thing, today at the clinic they gave me TRIXAZOLE and I don’t know what is it for
Hi Gugu,
Its common to be worried when starting meds. However, its important that you take them. Not only will they allow you to control your HIV, they will also prevent you from transmitting HIV. This is when your viral load becomes undetectable.
For more info about starting meds, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Hi I got my 1st prescription of Tribuss today an I’m very afraid of starting I’m scared of the side effects an that my body shape n skin colour might change my CD4 count is 910.
Hi Kenny,
What’s your CD4 count? The itching could be due to the efavirenz or also the trixazole.
There is a possibility that there maybe an interaction between the efavirenz and the prednisone that you’ve been given. Therefore, this is something that needs to be discussed with your doctor. Please see here:
http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/downloads/ajd45jg-4er5-67oy-ur43-009ert.pdf?interaction_ids%5B%5D=73052
I have no idea why you’ve been given Alergix. Alergix is an dietary supplement.
What might help the itching is an antihistamine. As your doctor about this.
Taking your ARVs at night is the best time to take them. The trixazole can be taken at night.
After two weeks of taking my pills my body is itching especially under my feet. I’m taking trixazole. Im also taking efavirenz and dumiva at night. I went to the doctor after the itching started and he gave me prednisone and alergix, what is the right time to drink this pills can drink all same time or please help I’m worried the itching is unbearable.
Hi Theodore,
Information about reinfection can be found here:
http://i-base.info/qa/10140
I am positive and I am on meds. My partner is not on anything. Do I risk reinfection if we have unprotected sex?
Hi Adeline,
How much weight have you lost? What time of the day are you taking them?
I have taken Tribuss for two month now, I’m losing weight. My skins getting darker. When I taken them on an empty stomach I feel dizzy. I vomit.
Hi Nomzamo,
If your meds contain efavirenz then its advised that you take them just before you go to bed. Please see here for more info:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
Is this something that is possible, so at 11pm? If not then you will need to pick a time that works for you. Its important to understand that you may not get side effects and if you do they should only last a few weeks.
For more info see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting