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 am Zee I have been on Tribuss since February last year and I was never made aware that I need to take a pill on an empty stomach until I read on these blogs.I normally take my medication at 20h30 just after my meals. After seeing this information on the blog I now consider taking my pills at teast an our early(19h30) is that advisable.
Another thing I seem to experience is a skin problem and I am am not sure if it’s one of the side effects. My weight is also on and off as the results I stress over weight loss n that is not good for me. Could it be caused from taking my medication with meals. Is it a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Hi Portia
Warts are caused by a different family of viruses called human papilloma virus (HPV). This is a large family of slightly different viruses, some of which are more likely to cause warts on your hands and other on your genitals.
If for CD4 count was low this might make your more vulnerable to warts.
Please speak to your doctor as there are different treatment that can help, although sometimes these take time. Sometime wart got away by themselves without treatment.
Do genital warts or warts in general, have anything to do with HIV? I’ve been on Tribuss for 8 months. I have warts on my vagina and fingers. They started on my vagina a few weeks ago.
Hi Mama
It is good that the meds are keeping HIV under control.
Have you discussed you worries about weight with your doctor?
Changing your diet and exercise plan can sometimes help.
Yes I was on another treatement before but as soon as i realize my body was changing they changed my treatement and I have lost some fat on my knees and my arms but, I did not gain it on my breast or stomach either. I have lost weight since starting treatement in 2006…… is theresome hope for me to gain 5kg in good time? Started tribuss in november 2013. I appreciate your help so much keep up the good work
Hi Cherity – thanks for this – it is good that everything is going well :)
I started the medication in 2013 there are no side effects it works very well in my body Im very healthy now
Hi Sindy. UK guidelines now say that it is okay to use efavirenz during pregnancy. The information that is given with the meds is out-of-date and should be revised. The safety data comes from a very large database where the drug has been safely used.
Hi i just found out im hiv positive an im pregnant ive been given tribuss but the packet insert says dont take if pregnant im confussed what do i do? My cd4 is above 500
Hi Mama,
If you have lost weight due to HIV starting treatment can often reverse this. Have you been on treatment with a different combination before? What were the side effects that you are hoping to reverse?