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.
Im on tribuss did my blood tests it was found that my liver enzymes are high what i shld i do
Hi Bunny,
Don’t be worried. You don’t need to take Tribuss at exactly 20H00. You have an hour either side of that time to take it. And that shouldn’t be a problem.
Taking Tribuss and working shifts can be difficult. That’s because it’s better to take it before bed so that side effects happen when you’re asleep.
Can you ask the doctor if you can switch to another pill? That’s a pill you can take it at any time of day. This shouldn’t affect your shift work.
How’s your treatment going? Do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load?
Hi,I’m working shift’s sometimes I can’t take ma pill at 20H00exactly should I be worried?
Hi Lebo,
What does your doctor say about this? Please see this section on diarrhoea in the guide to side effects and your HIV and quality of life.
I have been taking Tribuss for 4 years nd I having running tummy after I took it every night is this normal??
Hi Sithandiwe,
HIV treatment (ART) is now routinely recommended for all HIV positive people. Please see this Q&A that answers the question in detail.
What does your doctor say about starting ART? If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign for advice.
Here’s an Introduction to ART.
M HIV positive since 2014 and not on ARV’s, m eating Novavita plus and folic acid, my CD4 counts r still high. Can I have any problem for not starting treatment?
Hi Ltd,
Your comment is answered below. Drinking alcohol doesn’t react with Trivenz. But drinking to much means people can forget to take it.
I use Trivenz H128 and default by not drinking properly skips long time after started drinking again so my side effects it makes me not feeling well(dizzy) so I want advise what time to drink during night and before or after meal.
Hi Ltd,
Trivenz is usually taken at bedtime and on an empty stomach. Have you skipped many doses?
Do you have your CD4 count and viral load results? Please let us know.