Question
Is it ok if I take my meds 15 or 30 mins late?
10 October 2016. Related: Adherence, All topics.
Do you have to take your arvs at exactly the same time each day? Will for example 30 mins (or even an hour) each way have any impact whatsoever on the suppression of the virus or cause resistance? I am worried as even though I take them every day some days it is 15 or 30 mins later or earlier than the previous day.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
It is sometimes difficult to take your meds at the exact same time everyday.
Even when starting, there is a window of about an hour either side of your target time when it is still fine to take them.
For example, if you want to take your meds every night at 10 pm, then any time between 9pm and 11pm will be fine.
Everyone has a few times when we forget our meds though.
The less this happens the better. But if it does happen once in a while then there is nothing to worry about. If you forget in the future, take them as soon as you remember. However, if this is already close to the next dose DO NOT take a double dose.
Once you get an undetectable viral load, especially if it has been undetectable for several years, you have more flexibility. This partly depends on which drugs you are using.
Some once daily drugs (including tenofovir DF, emtricitabine and efavirinz) have long half-lives. This means drug levels stay in your body for long enough to cover being several hours late or even missing a dose completely.
Several studies are looking at whether reduced dosing might be safe – for example by only taking ART for four days a week. We need bigger studies before we know if this is safe though.
Note: this question was updated in October 2016 from and original answer in April 2011.
Hi Zuzeka,
Missing Atrozia for 3 weeks isn’t ideal, especially seeing as your pregnant. Prior to missing your doses do you know what your viral load was? How many weeks pregnant are you?
If you could get back to us, I’ll be able to give you some more info. I do though think you should talk to your doctor about what you missed.
For more about pregnancy and HIV, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I’m pregnant, but missed 3 weeks of my Atrozia. I left them at home. Will my baby be OK?
Hi Mtho,
Please see Q 4 here:
https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Is it OK if I take Atrozia 8hrs late?
Hi Esihle,
If you could tell me what meds it is that you’re taking, I’ll be able to help you.
Hi, I’m Esihle, I just want to ask, is it ok if I take my meds before a meal, or should I eat first before taking them?
Hi Andrew,
The World Health Organisation recommend that everyone who is positive should be on ART. This includes people who have high CD4’s. These recommendations are due to the results that come from the START study. Please see here for more info:
http://i-base.info/i-base-qa-on-the-start-study-results/
That said, it is up to you if you wish to take ARVs. They are though the only thing that can control your HIV. Being on meds, also reduces the risk of transmission to close to zero as the following explains:
https://i-base.info/qa-on-the-partner-study/
If you would like to restart your medication, I would suggest that you first go and speak to your doctor. Just tell them what’s happened and they’ll be able to advise you.
Am HIV+ and the clinic says my CD4 count is high,but still they gave me the ARV, should I take them or not? Actually due to the fact that I was traumatized to hear that I was positive, I took the pills for about two weeks and now am no longer taking them because I heard my CD4 Count is still high. What should I do now,continue with the treatment though my CD4 count is high or not?
Hi Buja,
You’ll be fine. And try not to worry, its common that people forget. Just take them as soon as you can, (but not too close to when your next dose it due) then go back to your normal time. Please also see the above post.
Hi!I forgot to take my arvs tonight.Will there be a problem if I take them tomorrow morning at 9.30.As I usually take them 21.30