What if I forget to take my pills or miss an injection?

Oral pills

Everyone misses or is late with oral ART at some time. This will be fine.

But there is a difference between an odd missed dose and regularly forgetting.

• Be strict when checking how adherent you are.
• If your adherence is not good, more support can help. It is available but you will need to ask.

If you often miss doses, please talk to your clinic about other options.

• Simple options like a pill box might help.
• There may be an easier combination.
• It needs to be easy for you to take ART every day.
• There are always things that can help.

Taking days off treatment is not a good way to use ART.

If you realise you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

BUT, if you only realise when you’re going to take your next dose, do not take a double dose.

Injectable ART

If your HIV drugs include injectable ART, please plan carefully to reduce the risk of missing an injection.

Most injections have a window period when you can come a week early or a week late and still be okay,

Talk to your clinic if your next injection is at a difficult time – for example if you are planning to travel. The clinic might be able to bring the next injection forward.

Your clinic should also give you oral versions of these drugs in case you can’t get to the clinic. Switching to oral meds is very safe but please also contact the clinic to let them know.

The clinic will give you specific advice depending on which injection you are using.

Sometimes this might involve restarting the injections with a slightly different dose.

HIV treatment is not rocket science. You can easily learn about it.

I am sure I get better treatment for my HIV because I understand what is going on.

This gives me the confidence that I should live a long and happy life.

I talk with my doctor and I take an active role in my choice of treatment.

I always say if I have problems with side effects or adherence.

— Paul, London.

Last updated: 1 July 2026.