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 David,
What does your doctor say about your weight loss? Usually when we start ART, people who are HIV positive can gain weight. That’s because the HIV meds we are taking can suppress HIV to tiny levels in the blood.
How long have you been taking ART? Please tell us what meds you’re taking along with your viral load and CD4 results.
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about ways to help you gain weight. And here’s the guide to a balanced diet and your health.
I have been taking my ART since I found that I’m positive but I’m losing weight I dont know why
Hi Ntomo,
It’s good that you’ve got no symptoms. But, for nearly everyone, the HIV tests will still be HIV positive.
Please see this Q&A about being undetectable and still testing positive.
Its been 3months that I found out that im HIV positive with no symptoms of it so i disided to take treatment at the same time they are no symptoms of HIV in my body i still sleep well with no sweating at night so so is it possible that i might not have this virus
Hi Isac,
If you’re having issues with sleeping, this is something that you should discuss with your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different combination. If this isn’t possible, then yes try at 5am. However, you may still have issues.
Hi
I would like to know if I can change taking my medication from 8.00 PM to 5.00 am everyday . The reason why I would like to change is because I can’t sleep after taking it. It causes insomia.
Hi Edmund,
It depends what you’re taking.
Hello.
I just want to have an understanding why ARV intake should not be jump and forth from old and new timing? I thought that taking the ARV 4 hours before and after from ur regular timing is still safe and acceptable?
Hi Edmund,
ARVs should be taken at a time that works best for you, so yes if 11am and 11pm is better, then yes you should take them at 11. If taking medication twice a day is an issue, you may wish to ask your doctor if you can have a 3 in 1 pill. This is your full ARV combination in one pill.
Hi, currently im taking combivir at 7am and 7pm and efavirenz at 7pm. Ive been taking for 3 months only.I find the timing too early. So i would like to change them to 11am and 11pm. Is this possible?
Can i jumpstart from 7 to 11 or slowly change it everyhour?