Question
I stopped meds, can I begin taking them again?
14 December 2016. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
I found out about my HIV status this year September I was then given arvs on the 18 of October I only used them for three weeks I then stop….. It has been a month not taking them, will I become resistance to the treatment if I start using them next month? my cd4count is 327. Im scared if I start using them again I will get sick so I wanna know if I can start using them again or I should take immune boosters
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Firstly, HIV meds are very good and very safe. They work really well. Even if you have trouble with side effects with one combination, it should be easy to use a different one.
“Immune boosters” are just an advertising scan. Although companies might claim this, there is no evidence that any of them work for HIV – or anything else.
These products will not help your CD4 count, nor your HIV. The only thing that will is ARVs.
Having a month of meds isn’t ideal, but please talk to your doctor about this if you are worried.
It is great that you are thinking about restarting as the combination is likely to still work very well. For more info on restarting, please see this earlier answer:
https://i-base.info/qa/12271
Hi Ziyanda,
Though you might be scared about going to the clinic, if you’ve been off meds for a year and you’re not feeling well, its important that you go.
When you go to the clinic, let them know that you’ve been off meds for a year. Ideally they should check your viral load and CD4 count. They should also discuss treatment options with you as you may need to use another combination.
If you’re worried maybe you could take someone with you.
Once you restart taking meds, it’s important that you continue to take them.
I’m not taking my Arvs it’s been a year now n um feel sick n um scared to go to the clinic now help me plz
Hi Sibongile,
How many days will you have missed? If it’s just a few you’ll be fine.
Hi my medication is finish before my next date to the clinic I am scared now I don’t want to be sick but tomorrow I will go to the clinic
Hi Nongi.
Which country does your boyfriend live in, I’m asking as ARVs are free in most countries.
If your boyfriend hasn’t been using medication for 6 months, their viral load will have rebounded, their CD4 may also have decreased.Your boyfriend is going to need to talk to their doctor/nurse. They’ll need to let them know that they’ve been off meds for 6 months. Ideally their viral load and CD4 should be checked.
With regards to treatment, they may be able to use the same meds that they were on before. However, they may need to use another combination. Your boyfriends doctor/nurse will be able to advice your boyfriend on this.
My boyfriend has stopped taking arvs 6 months ago due to not having enough money to buy meds..will he be resistant if he starts again.
Hi Abu,
It’s good to hear that you want to restart taking ARVs, this is a positive step.
As you’ve been off meds for a year, you need to let your doctor/nurse know. Ideally they should check your CD4 as well as your viral load. They should also talk to you about your treatment options.
If you’re feel ill, then it’s important that you engage with appropriate healthcare.
I stop taking my arv for one year ago and feeling more sick if I go on again will I get better health
Hi Nelisa,
Though it’s important to take your meds everyday, your boyfriend will be fine. He’ll be OK as your viral load won’t have rebounded.
I skipped taking my arvs for 2 days and i slept with my boyfriend im worried i might have infected him