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 it’s Karabo here I have been treatment for eight years now I changed Dr and now my new Dr prescribed for me tribuss they make me sick .What can I take instead of trbuss
Hi Kidwell,
Yes its fine to take Tribuss with warm water.
hi i need to know if its ok to take my tribuss with warm water.
Hi Busi, switching the time is safe and easy when your shifts change. So long as you take your Tribuss before you go to sleep, this will make the side effects easier. It is also okay to miss one dose if this makes the shift change easier. If your shifts changed more frequently – i.e. every week – most doctors would be able to give you a different combination.
Hi I’m on Tribuss and i work shifts, night shift for month and day shift for a month. When i take the pill at night when I’m on night duty i experience side effects and it is very difficult to concentrate. can i take my pill around 15H00/16H00 in the afternoon instead?
Hi Zah,
If there’s a possibility that you may not be positive you don’t need to be using Tribuss. I’d ask to have another test done and if possible both your CD4 count and viral load. If it comes back as being positive, then yes you’ll need to be on meds.
I tested positive last month, then negative this month. I’ve now been given Tribuss to take for the next 2 weeks, why?
Hi Anonymous,
Boils are something that a skin specialist will be able to help you with.
What can I do I have boils under my arms. Four years now. I’m on Atripla from 2012.
Hi Siyabonga,
What meds are you taking? When you’ve had infections, how have they been treated? Have you discussed the itching with your doctor? What’s your CD4 count?
The Trixazole that you’ve been given is an antibiotic, please see here for more info:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/18058