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,
Starting to take HIV meds again may resolve this. It is important that you get back on to treatment anyway. HIV treatment works very well today and can control your HIV. It can also prolong your life expectancy. Many people who have HIV can now live as long as people that do not have HIV. This is thanks to treatment.
I stopped taking my treatment last year in July and now I feel always feel tired, if I take it again will this be ok?
Congratulations on your baby!
If everything is going well there is no reason to change from taking the Tribuss. This will be up to your clinic or doctor though.
Am 24 yrs old and I just delivered,during my pregnancy I found out that I am HIV+ and gave me Tribuss tablets wat I will lyk to know is that will I continue with the tribuss tablet or am gonna change
Hi,
Starting treatment can be worrying. Tribuss is a very effective med though. It will help prevent your baby becoming positive and is also good for your health! Side effects are also individual and you may not get them.
If they do happen you can tell you clinic or doctor. They can let you know if there are other treatment options available.
I am 23 weeks pregnant and I am HIV positive. The doctor has prescribed Tribuss, I am very scared of taking this medication because I read the pamphlet and the side effects really scared me.
Hi,
A similar question has been answered here:
http://i-base.info/qa/7302
Doctor started to give tribuss after finding out that I am pregnant are there any side effects or is it healthy for the baby?
Yes, it is common now for people who have HIV to have HIV negative .
You can finds lots of information here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Can i have children while i am HIV positive?