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 Xolisa, please contact your clinic with this question. i-Base is in the UK and we are not aware of all the different formulations. It is probably okay but it is better to check.
I started taking arvs in June pink tablets with numbers on top,now this time they gave a pink tablet with no numbers,is it a mistake?did not take any blood from me am confused
Hi Thabang, pls see this link for links to detail information about testing.
http://i-base.info/qa/11844
There are no test that will show if you have HIV while you are taking PEP. Information about tips on reducing side effects is here.
http://i-base.info/qa/12092
I had sex with a woman with HIV positive and went to the clinic within 72 hours. confimatory test said I’m negative but I was told to get the tribuss pills for 30 days. the pills are making me dizzy and can I go for elisa and check if I have got the virus or not and leave the pill s I can’t even stand properly.
Hi Lira, Tribuss needs to be taken before you go to bed. It you always work at night, then you take it just before you sleep during the day.
If you changes between sometimes working nights and sometimes in the day, talk to your doctor about an alternative med to use. In the UK, other combinations are used for people who work changing shifts.
It is okay if you need to change for side effects.
See this link:
http://i-base.info/qa/12092
Hi just started Tribuss and I work night shft. lucky i do my job sitting. so now i want to know this dissiness. hw long will it take is it for life?
Hi Lindiwe, please talk to your doctor. These might be common side effects that then get better. Tripeline is an antidepressant called amitriptyline that has such difficult side effects that is is not a good idea to use this.
For more ideas about what to do, please see this post here:
http://i-base.info/qa/12092
hey am Lindiwe, am on Tribuss for 3 weeks now and I have trouble sleeping can I take tripeline? and I have e severe headache ever since am using Tribuss and when will this side effects stop?
thanks Mickey
Hi no complains byt just want to thank u guys for your advice… i really apreciate it