Question
I have missed a dose, what should i do now?
29 August 2014. Related: Adherence, All topics.
Answer
Hi,
If you have missed a dose you should take it as soon as you remember. If you have only realised when you’re taking your next dose do not take a double dose. Almost everyone will be late or miss a dose occasionally. However this becomes a concern if it is happening regularly.
If you are regularly missing doses you are at risk of developing resistance. This means that you meds will stop working effectively. This is why adherence is important. Adherence means taking your meds every day and as close to the same time as possible.
If you are you can talk to your clinic about why you are missing doses. If it is because of side effects for example there might be different meds available.
There is more detail about what you should do if you miss a dose in this treatment training guide
And more information about adherence in our online guide to treatment.
Hi Jacobs,
ARVs don’t interact with alcohol, therefore there’s no need for you to miss taking your meds. Meds need to be taken daily. If they aren’t there is a risk of resistance.
Hi there i have a question what if you don’t take ART on weekends when you are about to drink alcohol due to the fact of drug interaction and take your meds during the week when you are sober.what will happen
Hi Tyler,
Its not ideal to miss your meds for 3 days. However, you should be fine. If its possible you should have a viral load test.
Can someone who is undetectable miss 3 days of Genvoya without risk?
Hi Shilah,
Missing just one dose of your HIV meds doesn’t usually mean that your meds will stop working. But it’s important to see the doctor and have them look at your throat.
You might have another infection that can be treated.
I missed a dose about 4 months ago and now am developing difficulties in speaking and swallowing food are this the consequences am facing or am having another problem please help me as soon as possible because am feeling so bad
Hi Nontobeko,
I’m sorry to hear that. What went wrong, was there a stock out?
Please see this Q&A on missing doses because of stock outs. If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign who are trying to improve the service.
However, if you are regularly missing doses you are at risk of developing resistance. This means that your meds will stop working effectively.
What meds are you taking? Can you talk to the doctor about whether your meds need to be changed.
Good day.
I have missed almost 14 doses of arvs and i am only getting my next prescription in another week.
Are there any complications that i can face for not taking my medication for this long
I missed a dose of Genvoya & next day woke up with small red Itchy bumps all over upper torso & arms? None below waist. Is this normal?
Hi Donald.
Missing a day of your meds won’t be the reason why you have a rash. However, if you’re new to the Genvoya the rash could be a side effect. Please see your doctor about the rash.