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 Reggie,
Yes you can start taking meds again. It’s important that you do.
As you’ve been off meds for a few years you’ll need to talk to your doctor. Let them know that you’ve been off them for a few years.
Ideally they should check your CD4 count as well as your viral load. They should also discuss what your treatment options are.
Once you restart taking meds it’s important that you adhere to them.
Stopped taking mess in 2018.can I start again
Hi Mthi,
Though ARVs should be taking every day, if you’ve just missed the two days you should be OK. Please see Q4 here: https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Hi , i missed my arv for 2 days what are the side effects
Hi ELIZABETH,
There’s a possibility that your friends viral load may have rebounded. However, if they are now back on medication their viral load will begin to decrease again. If it’s possible they should have this checked.
As for sickness, they might have some side effects.
My friend was COVI19 SICK AND HE STOPPED FOR MORE THAN 12 DAYS AND HE STARTED AGAIN TODAY.WHAT SICKNESS MAY I EXPECT FROM HIM FROM NOW ON?
THANKS
CONCEN ELIZABETH.
Hi Jeanette,
It’s not possible to say if you’ll have any side effects when you restart taking ARVs. Some people have side effects, whereas others don’t. It is however important that you engage with treatment.
Is there any reason why you’ve been off meds for a year?
I have been off medication for a year. What will be the side effects if I restart?
Hi Keo,
It’s great to hear that you want to restart taking meds.
As you’ve not taken any meds for 7 months, ideally you should have your viral load as well as CD4 count tested. It’s also important that you tell your health care professional that you’ve been off med for a while. You might be able to use the same meds as before, however you might be offered something else.
What’s important is that you’re ready to restart.
Once you’re back on meds your viral load should become undetectable within 1-3 months, your HIV will then be under control.
Keo August 2021
I have bern off meds for 7 months. Can i restart treatment?