Question
Why have I been given Tribuss – is this an ARV?
5 February 2018. Related: All topics, South 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 Sindy,
You’ll have been given tribuss straight away without knowing your CD4 count because you’re pregnant, and also because its recommended that everyone who is positive should be on meds.
Yes ARVs are for life, and yes, tribuss may be the ARV that you will always take. This will however, depend on drug development and how your body copes with tribuss.
It isn’t recommended to stop meds after giving birth.
Because you’re pregnant you may find our HIV and pregnancy guide helpful:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
hi I am four months pregnant and have been tested
positive for the first time and given tribuss without my CD4count is this an ARV for life or just to protect my baby then stop or move on to something else after birth?
Hi Jay,
Because you’d just finished a course of PEP you could be OK. However, I would advice that you talk to a doctor about this.
Hi
I was on tribuss for 30days cause the condom broke and not knowing the other person status so 3 days after I was done with my 30 days I broke another condom so my question is should I go for another 30days?
Hi Zandile,
How long have you been on tribuss for? If the pimples look anything like a rash you need to have this looked at by a doctor.
I’m on tribus/ My body is aching, its causing pimples that leaves marks on my body. What can I do?
Hi Ms P,
How much weight have you lost?
I’ve been on tribus for less than a week. I’ve lost weight , will I be ok?
Hi Laura,
Once you stop taking PEP your body will go back to normal.
Hello there,
My doctor put me on Tribuss for 30 days as PEP since I was at a high risk of exposure not knowing the status of the other person. All tests procedures were performed but I have noticed a change in my body weight. My appetite is also not so good plus my skin feels really really smooth in not a normal way. My muscles on thights also tend to be really soft and not hard as they use to be. However, I do not experience other side effects like headaches apart from insomnia which I am aware it’s part of it. Will my body get back to normal and so will my skin after this 30 days course? Really getting worried and wanting to get off the medication. Regards, L