Question
Why have I been given Tribuss – is this an ARV?
5 February 2018. Related: All topics, Southern Africa, Starting treatment.
I started taking Tribuss about two weeks ago.
I’d like to know what are the side effects of this medication and what is the difference between them and ARVs.
I was shocked when my doctor prescribed me with Tribuss instead of ARVs which I’m familiar with when people are HIV+?
Answer
Hello,
Thanks for your email. How are you doing?
Tribuss is a pill that contains three HIV drugs (ARVs) – efavirenz, FTC and tenofovir DF.
It is one of the generic versions of the brand-name drug Atripla. For a picture of Tribuss see this link.
So your doctor has prescribed you ARVs, and this pill is very effective at treating HIV.
Side effects mainly related to the efavirenz. These include mood changes, sleep problems, vivid dreams (sometimes nightmares). Luckily, for most people, these usually get easier within the first few weeks. If not though, please talk to your doctor about different choices.
This link has more information about efavirenz side effects and how to manage them.
You guide is an Introduction to ART.
Because you are in South Africa, the Treatment Action Campaign may also have more information about treatment and support in SA.
Note: This answer was updated in February 2018 from a question first posted online in October 2013.
Hi Mol, it sounds like you were diagnosed with HIV. If your CD4 count was 227 this would be a good reason to have treatment. Atricpla and Tribuss are the same meds but newer combinations are also now available. This meds will be good for you but please ask your doctor or clinic to explain more.
I was put on Atripla and then later on Tribuss is there any difference? Checking my first blood results, my CD4 was 227 I don’t understand why I am on treatment?
Hi Tshilidzi, as i-base is UK based I do not have specific contacts in SA for switching treatment. How much weight have you put on? and over how long?
TAC is a charity based in SA similar to i-base. They would be more suited to putting you in contact with a doctor.
TAC: https://www.tac.org.za/
Have you asked your current doctor if there are any switch options available to you?
Hi, I’m on trenvir and I have Gaines weight on the upper and I want to change my medication. Is there any doctor that specializes with ARVs in South Africa that you can refer me too. It should be based in Gauteng. Started using this medication in 2016 but this in 2023 that’s when Started to change .
Hi Ndileka, as these are the same drug but with different names the pharmacist has not changed the prescription.