Question
Are there any injectable ARVs? I don’t want to have to swallow pills.
22 October 2014. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, South Africa, Starting treatment.
Hi I a young lady and i just found out that I’m HIV positive. My CD4 count is 368 at the moment. My doctor recommended that I start treatment as soon as possible so I would like to know if there are any ARVs on injections because I just can’t swallow pills everyday
Answer
Hi,
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
There are currently no ARV injections. There are some in development but these will not be available for a while.
There are pill combinations available now where you only need to take one a pill a day. Sometimes on the UK if someone has trouble swallowing pills they are given lower dose pills that are smaller. These are usually used for children. There would be more pills this way though.
In South Africa it is recommended that you start treatment when your CD4 has fallen to 350. Your doctor has started talking about treatment because you are close to that. You do not have to rush into anything though, you have time to prepare yourself to start treatment. You can also take time to discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
You can find information about being newly diagnosed on our website.
Hi Lady M,
I can’t say why the health care professions are treating you like this-refusing to test your CD4 isn’t right and should be challenged.
Though no one can force you to take ARVs, its now recommended that everyone who is positive should be on medication. Is there any reason why you aren’t using it?
Hi i found out when I was pregnant in 2012,never started with medication I m still feeling strong last check my cd4 was over 580,
I went to clinic recently they forced me to take arv when I m not read and I only had flue so I asked for cd4 test and other tests they refused just because I told them I knew about it in 2012, so they say I will be sick soon, if which I take good care of myself,
Why can’t they test me as I require and then when result comes I will decide what to do not them deciding for me
Hi K Malele,
ARV’s need to be taken as prescribed in their oral form. They shouldn’t be diluted nor divided in half. If you do this, there is a possibility that they won’t work like the are supposed to do. If you are having trouble with your meds, you could try taking it with yogurt. If you are on just the one, and one that is big, you could also see if you can change this to smaller ARVs.
Can’t swallow arvs. Is it safe diluting them in water?
Hi GK,
Where do you live? I’m asking as in most countries, especially in Sub Saharan Africa Tribuss is free. Its important that you don’t stop taking your meds.
Hi.
I’ve been in tribuss pills for over a year and my CD4 count is in a very good condition, above 1000… although i cannot afford the pills anymore, is there a substitute for tribuss pills?
I understand the importance of taking my medication.
Hi
I am worried that you are having trouble taking your meds.
Please contact you clinic to talk about this. They might be able to teach you techniques that make it easier. Pills are much smaller than the food you swallow – but something thinking about taking them makes it difficult.
It might be that you have the choice to take smaller pills or even a syrup.
Hi guys can u please help me I’m on treatment but I cant swallow the pills and now im not taking my medication because of that.
I have not discussed this with anyone and i know its wrong not to take medication.
Can u please help me i really need help.
i tested for hiv and the result is nonreactive.what is the meaning?
This means that the test has not found any HIV. You are negative.