Can I stop ART?

Stopping ART is not a good idea, unless there is a medical reason.

Stopping ART can cause viral load to increase after only a few days.

Within a few weeks it might be back to pre-ART levels.

• Each time you stop there is a small risk of drug resistance.
• Staying on ART is generally better for your long term health. It will keep your CD4 count high and keep HIV under control.

Please speak to your doctor if you want to stop ART.

If you stop then monitoring your CD4 count and viral load is essential.

Last updated: 1 June 2022.