Question
Can i change the time i take my ARVs?
29 January 2016. Related: Adherence, All topics.
I take my ARVs at 8am and 8pm. Can i change it to 10am and 10pm?
Answer
Hi,
This is not a problem as long as you consistently take them at the new time. Jumping back and forth mean you have a risk of developing resistance. This would mean your meds would stop working well.
People do change the time they take their meds for all sorts of reasons though. Again this is ok as long as you keep taking regularly at the new time.
The only concern about switching from evening to morning is if your combination include the drug efavirenz. Efavirenz needs to be taken 1-2 hours before you sleep, so you reduce side effects.
Hi Shonhiwa,
Missing a dose or taking doses late on occasion can happen to many people. But if this happens regularly it can mean that HIV may bounce back.
But once you are on ARVs and your viral load is undetectable and stable for some months it can be okay to aim for the same time each day and give your self an hour before or after. Some HIV meds work for a bit longer than others, such as efavirenz.
You can read about adherence tips for taking them on time and in the right way here.
Hie
I never take my arvs on time. Sometimes im three hours late or an hour. It varies. Sometimes i take them earlier. Will i develop resistance?
Hi Nhlanhla,
Ideally you should take your meds before you go to bed. In your case this would be in the morning. However, if you’re having issues then you may want to talk to your doctor about changing meds. There are other options what won’t make you feel dizzy.
Hi,I work permanent night shift and I’m on Trivens. What is the best time to take them as they make me sleepy?
Hi Malusi,
If you’ve been on meds for 10 years it very unlikely that you’re having issues with your eyes due to the meds. Therefore the best thing to do is to speak to a doctor. They should be able to tell you why you’re having issues with your eyes.
Morning there!I have been taking odimune for almost 10years.I take it in the morning &I didn’t have problems.Lately my eyes are a little sore &itchy.Is it possible that those minor things are caused by my meds?Must I switch to taking it at night or those minor pains/itchiness will eventually go away?
Hi James,
Yes, that’s fine. As Robin says on this question you can decide what new time is best and then carry on taking them at that time. Once you are undetectable for a few months you can try aiming for the same time slot. You can be flexible within that hour, which might be better for your schedule.
I have bn taking Arv 10pm can I change to 9pm cauz 10pm is late
Hi Tyler, Efavirenz side effects can cause sleep disturbance. If this drug is part of your meds you can ask the doctor if you can switch. It’s a good idea to talk about how bad the insomnia is because switching meds might help.
Hi. I’m experiencing heavy insomnia and haven’t slept for a long time. It is extremely bad. I am a month in to my tb treatment. Can I try taking my arv in the morning after taking it at 9pm. Will this help. The tb tablets doesn’t have a time, so doesn’t matter. I have reached my limits.