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,
Thanks for your email. It is important to try and take tribuss at the same time everyday. It’s OK to have a window period of about one hour either side of your dose. So if you plan to take it at 9pm so long as you take it between 8pm-10pm there shouldn’t be any problem. If you are occasionally later than this it’s important not to worry but you should try and develop a way to remember to take it at the same time each day. There’s more information about adherence here.
For information about unprotected sex in pregnancy please see this previous question and let me know if you need any further information.
I am HIV + and 23weeks pregnant,im taking tribuss i take it everynight but sometimes not at the same time. my fiance is not on ARV’s as his CD4 count is higher than mine.My question is,is it necessary to take the tribuss pills at the same time everynight? and are we wrong to have unprotected sex?
Hi Ntombi,
Headaches and muscle pains can sometimes be side effects of ARVs. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your doctor so that they can investigate whether something else could be causing this, and can give you help with pain management if necessary.
Im 31 im on ART treatment since 2008 and i didnt expirience any side effects but now i started tribuss i have a severe headache and stiff neck is it side effect ot not thank u.
Hi again,
In the UK if you were undetectable at 36 weeks you would be recommended to have a vaginal birth. There’s more information about this here.
I’m 16 weeks pregnant and started taking tribuss at 14 weeks.my gynae advised me to go for a cesarean birth rather.
But if my viral load will be undetactable by the time I give birth,I miight consider natural birth…
Hi Precious,
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Tribuss isn’t linked to any birth defects and should not cause any problems for your baby. It’s very normal to be dizzy when you first start taking Tribuss. Taking it at night, and leaving at least 2 hours between when you eat and when you take it can make this easier.
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy- there is lots of information about HIV and pregnancy here. Please do get in touch again if you have any further questions.
Hai
I am am 21 years old university student living with HIV and I am pregnant, I started tribuss at about 23 weeks of my pregnancy and i’m afraid that my little one would be affected to. since I started this medication I have been experiencing dizziness side effect, is my child gonna be healthy? im way to concerned about her.
Hi Again Sthembile. Are these cramps in your stomach, or another part of your body? This is not a common side effect of Tribuss and might be a side effect, or could be unrelated to treatment. If this continues, or if you are worried it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
I ve been taking tribus for a month now d proble is I m dying of amacramps during sleeptime n I m worried cos I can’t sleep with dis cramps pls help