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 Ester,
How long have you been taking this combination for?
I use to take dolutegravir tablet morning,some time I use to tired, feeling vomiting,loss of appetite…Is it fine if I change it to night time?
Hi Bongiwe,
I’m not sure what you’ve heard, but it’s 100% ok to take ARVs when you’re pregnant. In fact it’s important that pregnant women who are positive take medication. It’s the medication that reduces the risk to babies. Please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
I just find out that im pregnant yet I’m taking arv’s, and i heard that if you’re taking these meds, there’s a possibility that your child might be abnormal. So im bit confused. How true is that?
Hi Philsiwe,
How long have you been taking ARVs for? What ARVs are you taking?
Since I’m taking this arvs I’m getting dizzy tired everyday and I’m taking them at 10 am since I’m working and around 1/5 I’m dizzy
Hi Frans,
ARVs should be taken at a time that works for you, if you’re ok taking them at 8am then you can take them then. Just be mindful of any side effects.
I’ve been taking my medication at 20h00 and I would like to change to 08h00 in the morning!!!
Hi Joseph,
Yes, you can do what you’re suggesting.
If am to change the is it possible to Skip to that day or I continue for an example . I take my arcs in the morning.7am. I whant to change to evening 9pm.