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 Hermann,
I can’t say if your wife is positive or not. This is something that you will need to ask her. If she is positive, she needs support, not blame. If she’s on meds, and her viral load is undetectable the risks to you are close to zero. Please see here for more info:
http://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/
Yes, Tribuss is used to treat HIV.
Good day please I will like to know something surpriselingly to me this morning.
I just discovers this medication in my wife clothes well protected in the plastic when I opened it I found this written TRIBUSS and when I google it they said it for treatment for HIV please can u advise me that she is HIV positive and she doesn’t wanna tell me and what can I do?
Thanks
Hermann
Hi Jean,
When you say weight loss, how much do you mean? Also when you changed meds, were you told why you needed to change?
Combivir isn’t a first line choice ARV. This may be why you were changed.
Good morning, I started taking combivir and virumune for over ten years without any side effects, my doctor changed me to tribuss and was given trivenz since Oct 2015 with no side effect but what I have realized is that im losing so much weight and my Dr says that im looking good cause its undetected. this really frustrate me so much to such an extend that I want him to change me back to my previous medication. your advice will be highly appreciated before I get my new six months script.
Hi Bernard,
Tribuss and Odimune are generic versions of Atripla. They contain the same compounds. Therefore, yes you can change.
Can I switch between odimune and tribuss?
Hi Anonymous,
If you’re suffering from constipation you should speak to your doctor. They should be able to give you something for this.
Why every time I drink Aspen – Tribuss tablet my stomach gets sore and constipated.
Hi Chleh,
Both tribuss and atrozia are generic versions of Atripla. For more info please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
Are tribuss and atrozia the same thing?