Question
I stopped meds, can I begin taking them again?
14 December 2016. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
I found out about my HIV status this year September I was then given arvs on the 18 of October I only used them for three weeks I then stop….. It has been a month not taking them, will I become resistance to the treatment if I start using them next month? my cd4count is 327. Im scared if I start using them again I will get sick so I wanna know if I can start using them again or I should take immune boosters
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Firstly, HIV meds are very good and very safe. They work really well. Even if you have trouble with side effects with one combination, it should be easy to use a different one.
“Immune boosters” are just an advertising scan. Although companies might claim this, there is no evidence that any of them work for HIV – or anything else.
These products will not help your CD4 count, nor your HIV. The only thing that will is ARVs.
Having a month of meds isn’t ideal, but please talk to your doctor about this if you are worried.
It is great that you are thinking about restarting as the combination is likely to still work very well. For more info on restarting, please see this earlier answer:
https://i-base.info/qa/12271
Hi B, it sounds like you are in the USA where I know getting healthcare is complicated. I also don’t understand the system there of have an easy answer. Please talk to your doctor or clinic for options. Please also talk to local or national HIV organisations who can sometimes help with ADAP, Medicare or Medicaid if you qualify. Sometimes doctors can help in other ways. Perhaps similar combinations – or insurance – have lower co-pays. I know some people join a research study to get their meds covered.
No way to come up with the co pay after taking biktarvy which was working well. $400 co pay is not possible with the chat if groceries, gasoline, rent, utilities and everything else. How long till I just die and get it over with?
Dear Dudu, I am sorry you have been having a difficult time. It is really good that you are thinking of you health again though and want to restart. If you still have all your old meds, it is okay to restart, but it would be better to contact your doctor to let them know you are ok.
The doctor might want to check you don’t have drug resistance first. They might also be able to help with other things. The doctor will not be upset. This sometimes happens and they will want to know how you are.
Good luck with everything.
I have stopped using arvs for a 7 months since my life is a mess and have no food . What are the chances of restarting without going to the clinic nor doctor? I can’t drink on empty stomach
Hi Faith, there is no risk of restarting. It is safe to be on treatment while pregnant. It is the best way to keep both you and baby healthy and reduce the risk of transmission to as low as possible.
HIV treatment will not treat the vaginal infections that you are having. You will need to speak with a doctor for another medication to help with this.
As you have been off treatment for the last 6 months it would be advised to have a viral load test and another in a few months. Testing will help show that your treatment is still working. Is there a reason you stopped treatment 6 months ago?
Baby will also be given treatment after birth. This is explained further here: https://i-base.info/qa/19891
Hi, I stopped taking ARVS 6months ago but I want to start now, is it risk for me to start because I’m 7months pregnant? I have started experiencing virginal infections does that mean if I start the meds will work??
Hi Asii, where are you based and will you be going back to the same clinic? It is unlikely that they will have records of your treatment history.
When restarting treatment is is recommended to have a viral load test soon after. This is to check that your treatment is still working (especially if you are on the same treatment) and that there is no resistance.
Informing your doctor about your treatment history can help guide what they recommend and what treatment will work best for you.
Hi guys. I have been taking ARV’s and stopped for 3 years. I’m restarting again, does the system know I used to take them?