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.
I have read side effects of pill but this one tops the list. After taking the pill you need to go straight to bed period
Hi Onesipho, thanks for you comment. Your husband is not at risk from HIV because your viral load is undetectable on treatment. PrEP wouldn’t make this any safer because the risk to him is npw zero, even without using condoms. It is very safe for you both to try for a baby naturally.
Please see Q’s 6, 9, and 14 at this link for more info and details:
http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hello, I am a 43 years old HIV+ female. My husband is negative and we would like to have a child. I would like him to be on PrEP. What PrEP drugs can you recommend for him. My CD4 count is undetectable i.e. <40. The doctor recommended Trelavue but seemed expensive as we are going to buy it cash. Please advise.
Hi Madelyn,
Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. But it’s good that you’ve started HIV treatment (ART).
Having sleep problems are a reported side effect of efavirenz. That is the main drug in Trivenz.
However, it’s common for people to get mild side effects for the first week or so when they start ART. But if these symptoms don’t start to go away it’s a good idea to talk to the doctor about trying other HIV meds.
Did the doctor also give you an antibiotic to take? This is usually taken when people start ART with a CD4 count under 200.
But it’s important to ask about treatment for other infections while your HIV meds start to work and your CD4 count gets stronger.
What country do you live in? Do you have support?
Madelyn I’m positive with a cd4 count 157 viral load 778453 and I was prescribed trivenz by my doc I took last nite which was my first time but I couldn’t sleep de nightmares were horrbles…how long will it take before dey go away
Hi Dee,
Trivenz and Trenvir contain the same HIV meds. They are made by different manufacturers so they have different names.
Hi,
I cousin is been switched from Trivenz to Trenvir what is the difference. Will side effects be more or less
Hi Nono,
If your friend has a rash they needs to see a doctor. A doctor will be able to advise them what they need to do.
Hi,
My friend has been using Centir for about a month now.
He had a rush which was very itchy, well rush is disappeared but that itchiness is still there inside the hands and under the foot..
What should he do to stop the ithness?
Hi Jessica,
The injectable ARV is still in research stages, therefore its not possible to buy this.