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 Bamsile, what is your CD4 count? It is great that your viral load is undetectable – this shows that your medication is working. What was your CD4 count when you were diagnosed? Unfortunately if your CD4 count was very low at the start of your treatment, it may mean that it will not rise to above 500. For someone who is HIV negative a healthy CD4 count is considered to be between 430 and 1690. This link explains CD4 count at diagnosis and expected recovery time: https://i-base.info/guides/art-in-pictures/hiv-after-starting-art
I started arvs in 2011 but my cd 4 count never reach 500 but viral load is undetected is it normal worried patient
Hi Zusiphe, there is no problem with changing the packet that your medication is being kept in. If the noise of your packaging is risking someone finding out and you do not feel comfortable telling them, it would be a good idea to change the packet. Have you considered a dosette box? These are plastic containers that hold a weeks worth of medication divided into the days of the week. This will mean it’s in different packaging and you can add what else you take at the same time into the box e.g., antibiotics and/or supplements.
Is it good to change package of my arvs to the plastic packaging of other pills like Anti biotics, reason is that the usual container have noise and I haven’t disclosed to my family
Hi JR, what medication are taking? It is likely you were told to take your medication to avoid some of the side effects by sleeping thorough them.
There is no need for you to be going to sleep right after taking your medication. As long as you are okay at the time you are taking them, there is no need for you to be asleep at that point.
my doctor said that it is recommended to take ARV before bedtime. I take my ARV at 11pm. Is it okay to not sleep immediately after taking my meds? Sometimes it’s hard for me to sleep at night.
Hi Patricia, what ARVs are you taking? If these timings work for you then it is okay. It is most important that the times you choose are manageable for you. Being 20 minutes late is not going to affect you. HIV medications remain in the body for a while after 24 hours, 20 minutes late is not long enough for the drug concentration in your body to fall to a level where it will not work. You are okay.
Hope you are well my name is Patricia i just want to ask is it ohk to change time like im taking my medication 2 times a day,, early it the morning and at night.so i told myself that i will take from 9 oclock at morning and 9 oclock in the evening so is ther any problem if i take my pills like 9:11 ???if i forgot and take maybe after 20 mins after is it going to affect me ?
Hi Thembi, I am sorry to hear that you have only recently been diagnosed. However starting medication will help you manage your health and hopefully you won’t be feeling weak anymore. Access to HIV medication depends on where you are. How did you find out you were HIV positive? If it was in a health clinic you should have been told how to access your HIV medication. Medication can often be collected at pharmacies or local health clinics.
Hi there, my name is Thembi, I just find out that I am HIV positive and I am scared to take medication. also I don’t know where to get medication . please help my energy levels are getting weaker and weaker . is there a place that I can even buy the HIV medication .