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…
I am worried my partner has been taking M171 pills almost a year and a half now,He was once diagnosed with TB and discharge but gave him these M171 and told him they will continue taking blood samples for checking..I have been checking my status since last of last year n last time I tested I was clean me and our 2 year old …
Is he HIV positive?if Yes how come we not?
I am Confused n worried.
Hi Tsietsi,
It’s good to hear you want to start HIV treatment (ART). ART has been shown to have benefits for your health, even if you’re not sick and have a high CD4 count.
Please talk to your doctor about the tests you’ve had and what HIV meds would be okay for you to take. You can discuss meds that are taken with food or without food. And you can discuss meds that will fit with your schedule, and be easier for you to take.
Please see this Introduction to ART. It’s a guide to starting ART and it has lots of info in it.
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign at this contact link. They can give local support.
Good morning i’m a 44 yrs old male who tested positive about 5 yrs back;i’m not sick and not on any treatment.I want to start treatment now;what treatment can you recommend especially for someone who will be getting it from a GP.
Hi Mthobisi,
Your partner doesn’t need to take PEP or PrEP, you’re undetectable so you can’t infect her. Please see here: http://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Hi I have been taking tribuss for almost two years and my viral load is below 20( undetectable )and my partner is negative but we had a problem last night a condom broke so I want to ask if she suppose to take a prep drug or is it possible to infect her please help
Hi Leigh,
i-base are based in the UK and in the UK you can’t buy ARVs. You’re going to need to get in touch with your local HIV organisation, they should be able to advise you.
I lost my job and medical aid benefits.. Im on Efivarenz generic 600 mg. From next month i wanna buy it on my own. I do not wanna go to public hospital (personal reasons).. Where can i buy or should i consult with a Gp get a prescription first?
Hi Molebogeng,
Triolar and Trubuss are both generic versions of Atripla, please see here: http://i-base.info/guides/1561 What this means is that they contain the same compounds.
In many countries it’s common to be given different generic versions of Atripla. It is often an issue of supply. If you aren’t happy about being given different generic versions of basically the same medication, you’ll need to discuss this with your doctor.
Hi, i just received an sms from Pharmacy Direct that they will supply me with Triolar in place of Tribuss, what is the difference between the two pills? Is it allowed that the pharmacy company used by my medical aid to just change my prescription? My doctor does not know about it and the medication they want to send me is not prescribed. Help.
Hi Zanele,
Tribuss is a treatment for HIV. So this is very unusual if you are not HIV positive. Please contact your doctor and ask why you were given Tribuss.