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 Refilwe, to clarify you are wanting to restart after being off treatment for the last month? and now you want to restart?
Is there a reason you do not want your doctor to know?
How long had you been on treatment before? As you had been on treatment it is possible your viral load and CD4 count will be slightly unusual, however this should not stop your doctor prescribing treatment or questioning you being on treatment previously.
Letting your doctor know can help inform them what treatment has worked for you in the past and if resistance is a possibility.
Hi ,
It’s been a month since I have stopped taking my ARV’s … I pretended as if I didn’t know about my HIV status so the doctor started me on new treatment and then they took my blood for tests. So my question is, is the doctor gonna be aware that I was on ARV’s before?
Hi Lihle, how long had you defaulted on your medication for?
It is great that you have gone to restart your medication. Have you had any recent viral load/CD4 count tests?
If you feel comfortable it is advised to tell your healthcare provider that you have previously been on treatment. I recognise that this can be scary but giving them all the information you can about your HIV history will help to assist them in providing you the best care they can.
Have you been restarted on the same medication you were taking before? It is important that you have a viral load test done a few weeks after restarting to check that your treatment is working. How is your health in general?
Hi I defaulted on my arvs and yesterday I went to another hospital to restart and pretend as if I’m new so I’m scared if they will find out that that I defaulted I’m scared
Hi Beko, it is great that you want to restart your treatment. Do you want to restart the same treatment you were on 3 years ago?
Have you had any recent CD4 count/viral load tests?
I am sorry to hear about some of the experiences you have mentioned that some people have had at this clinic. Do you know if this is common where you are looking to go?
No one should be scolded for wanting to restart their treatment. It shows that you are being active in your health and are wanting to manage HIV. You shouldn’t be made to feel bad based on your history when other things have been impacting your life.
Are you able to go the clinic with a friend to help make it more relaxed?
I have stopped taking my med for the past 3 years. Relocating during Covid really had an effects thus I was hesitant to take treatment. I now want to start again but am scared because I’ve heard people complaining about the treatment they get from our local clinic. Am going through a lot already, am not ready to be scolded by some1.
Hi Angela, congratulations on your pregnancy.
Yes you should restart immediately. HIV treatment is the best way to keep both you and baby health. HIV meds are safe during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
Can I ask why you and your husband have stopped treatment for the last month?
Angela , oct 3 I & my husband tavel , we’ve been taking our avrs for 6months, but for almost 1month we haven’t taken it
& am 1 month pregnant , what should I do , should I restart my meds immediately
Hi Ruben, which country have you gone to?
When did you both last take meds? And when did you both last do a test to confirm your viral load?
Are you planning no restarting the same meds? In most cases people do not have a problem restarting treatment. It will be important that you both have a viral load test booked for a few weeks after restarting treatment. This test can determine if your treatment is still working.
Me and my partner been taking our meds every day for 10yrs we have gone through a transition to another county it’s been 6mos without meds I’m undetectable my partner is positive we made the appointment for meds in this county will we be ok