Question
I just started odimune and have difficult side effects.
15 May 2013. Related: All topics, Side effects, South Africa, Starting treatment.
Hi,
I started odimune last night and after two hours I felt like some things were crawling on my face,my ears became painful,my head feels like its going to explode and it went on until today. I can’t work please help.
Answer
Hello,
Thanks for your email. I’m sorry to hear about these difficult side effects you are experiencing.
It is very normal to have difficult side effects in the first few days and weeks of treatment. Some people may find that they need to take a few days off work while this is most difficult. Are you able to do this?
Most side effects will get better or go away after a few weeks. If these are very severe and you are worried you should talk to your doctor. If you have any rash you should show this to your doctor. You should be able to access some treatment to make these side effects easier- for instance painkillers for the headache.
There are a small percentage of people who cannot tolerate certain drugs. You could be one of these people. If the side effects do not go away after a month or so, then you need to discuss this with your HIV doctor. They can usually replace the drug, which is causing the side effect.
Please see our side effects guide for more information.
Hi Sony,
Could you go into more detail please?
Good day
I have stabbing sensation all over body. I’ve been taking meds for 2 months. Is this normal?
Hi Lungelo,
There’s info on here on when to take Odimune.
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
The anxiety may be due to the meds, it may also be something else. If it continues then you may need to change meds.
Can I change the time when I take my meds from 8pm to 9.30pm? I think it will help with the anxiety and side effects.
Hi Lungelo,
What time of day are you taking your meds? If its in the morning, have you thought about taking them in the evening?
I’m saying this as side effects are known to be less if the meds you’re taking are taken at night. Please see here for more info:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
Side effects usually go within a few weeks of beginning treatment, or get easier to tolerate. At the moment you just need to try and be patient. Reading our, ‘Introduction to ART’ may help.
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Thanks for the response. I’m a student and now Ii feel its becoming a problem for me to study cause after I drink my pill, I get dizzy so I just sleep. Will this ever stop?
Another thing I have been getting back pains lately and cold chills in various parts of my body, it was first in my chest and today Ii felt it on my left arm but it all happens after drinking the pill, is that normal? My concern now is will I go back to living my normal life, will these side effects go away?
Hi Justice,
Not having side effects is a good thing. If they haven’t started by now, then they probably won’t come. This is great. Therefore, this isn’t something that you really need to worry about.
What anti-depressants are you taking? I’m asking, as I’d just like to make sure there’s no chance of drug interactions with the Odimune.
With regards to fertility issues, please see here:
http://i-base.info/qa/678
http://i-base.info/qa/449
Hi I started odimune 3 weeks ago and have not had any sides effects except for a loose stomach. I am taking it alongside anti-depressants . How long can I expect to get favourable results i.e ernergy, alertness and bright skin? Another thing my mouth is always dry alwaI have an erection problem and watery semen. Will odimune affect my reproductive capacity?
Hi Lugelo,
Numbness in the face isn’t a common side effect, and definitely not with Odimune. Numbness (Peripheral neuopathy) if it does happen, is usually concentrated to the hands or feet. For more info please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/side/peripheral-neuropathy
Therefore, if this continues you should discuss this with your doctor.
The dizziness however, is common.
Hi guys i just recently started taking Odimune and this is my 3rd day, the past 2days i just felt dizzy after taking the pill and today after taking the pill I’m experiencing numbness on the left side of my face, is this a normal side effect?