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, today I received my meds problem is I was taking Tribuss and had no side effects, now I’m given Trenvir what is the difference between the two. And will I get side effects especially lipodystrophy? Please help
Hi Mthuthuzeli,
Please see this link to all HIV meds http://i-base.info/guides/category/arvs
Please send me all types ARV’s and the Content
Hi Noxie,
It looks like it’s exactly the same. The HIV meds in Tribuss are efavirenz, tenofovir and emtricitabine (or FTC). These are the same as those in Triolar. You can see many other names for the same tablet here http://i-base.info/guides/1561.
So there is no difference. They are just made by different companies, and so they give the tablets different names.
I have be using tribuss but now they have change it triolar what is the difference between those two
Hi Cleo,
It’s very common to feel like this when you first start taking trivenz (which is a generic version of Atripla). These symptoms should last no more than a few weeks. Please see here for more info: http://i-base.info/guides/1561 and http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Though you may be feeling ‘unwell’ it’s really important that you don’t stop treatment. The treatment is important for your health as well as for your baby: http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I started taking Trivenz. I took my first pill today at round about 3 am thinking that I will suffer fewer side effects. I have not been normal since, I’m dizzy, I hallucinate as soon as I lay down and my throat is extremely dry. I’m taking the treatment because of my pregnancy but I honestly don’t think I can cope with going to work, school and these side effects. Is there anything I can do to alleviate these side effects?
Hi Tia,
Its great to hear that you want to restart medication. If its possible you should book an appointment to see your doctor. This could be the person who you were seeing last time you were taking medication. Ideally they will take your CD4 count as well as your viral load. They should also discuss with you your treatment options.
I found out I am HIV positive when I was pregnant after giving birth I stopped taking Meds , however I want to go back now and I don’t know where to start please help.
Hi,
There’s info here about living with a fatty liver: http://i-base.info/guides/hepc/protect-your-liver Treatment options will need to be discussed with your doctor.