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 Eti-ini. Yes you can restart. Will you be able to get a viral load test done in a few weeks? This will let you know that your medication is working again. Have you spoken to a doctor about your symptoms? If you are concerned about malaria you will require advise from a healthcare professional.
Please I stopped taking my RVS drugs for some times because I traveled and forgot to take the drug with me. Its almost two weeks now, and I have returned CAN I START TAKING THE DRUG AGAIN? Am 29yrs
ACRIPTEGA is the name written on that drug container and the container is blue in color.
Pls help a sister. Because my body has emaciated, I have cough and some symptoms of malaria with severe throat pain. And lost of appetite.
Hi Nikiwe, it sounds like you have symptoms or a cold, flu or maybe COVID. You can only know about HIV by taking an HIV test. Please do this first before worrying any more.
Hello I have all the symptoms of hiv and I have chills and feel really sick sometimes I don’t know where I can get treatment and if I get it will I get more sick please help me.
Hi John, what ARVs do you usually take? and do you know your current viral load? Are you able to access a short course of ARVs from your local hospital or health clinic?
Hello ,my name is John. My arv medicine is finished,so I went to clinic yesterday and they said is late they can’t help me .so on Monday I’m going to work,I will be free again after a week.wich means I’m going to spend a week without taking medicine. I’m scared.
Hi Catherine, yes they will still work. This will not stop your treatment being effective.
M having problems when l drink my ARVs l cnt swallow l have decided to dislove them in small amount of water and drink will dey work?
Hi Joze, you do not need to wait for your CD4 count. You can start your treatment immediately. Your CD4 count will have no bearing on if you should start treatment or not. Starting treatment as early as you can will help improve your own health sooner. Is there a reason you stopped taking your medication in September 2020?
Hi, my name is Joze, a 48yrs old Male,
I tested for Hiv in 2020 and given treatment, but stopped taking medication on same 2020 September, then I went back to the clinic last week for blood tests, they gave me Arvs again,
Should I start taking Arvs Immediately or first wait for Cd4 count results.
I I take arvs now what will happen?