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 Octavia, it is great that you want to restart your meds. Have you kept up with any CD4 count/viral load testing in the last few years? and do you know if you want to restart the same treatment you were on/go back to your old clinic? How is your health in general for the last few years that you have not been on meds?
Restarting at your old clinic is easiest. They will have all of your medical records and be aware of what treatments work best for you. How was your experience at this clinic when you were last there?
After restarting it is advised to have a viral load test soon after. This is most importnant if restarting on the same combination of meds that you were on a few years back. A viral load test will be able to show if the treatment is working again and that there is no development of resistance. In this case there would be a need to switch the type of treatment you are taking.
Hi I stop taking my arv 2 years ago
I want to restart again
Hi Thulo, do you know your current CD4 count and viral load? and do you want to go back on the same treatment you were before?
Are you able to return to your original clinic? They will still have your previous healthcare notes which can help provide you the best care.
There is nothing specific you need to be doing to restart treatment aside from continuing to be up to date with CD4 count and viral load testing. An additional viral load test is recommended soon after restarting to check that treatment is still working.
Has any other health conditions appeared in the last few years/are you on any new medication? If you are, as there is some risk of interaction, it is advised to inform your prescribing doctor to any changes in your health to make sure the HIV treatment you want to restart is still suitable.
Hi I stopped treatment years ago,after I was on it for 4years.
I’m not sick or anything but I just feel I want to go back on the treatment after soo many years.
What measures does one take?
Hi Parbee, what is your current viral load?
In most cases people can resume taking treatment and it will not be a problem.
After a week it is recommended that you book a viral load test for a few weeks time. This is to check that your treatment is still working.
Good day, I stayed a week without taking my ARV’s because I did not have money to buy them. But I bought them immediately when I got the money. I just wanted to find out if I have defaulted or I’m still okay.
Hi Joy, do you know what your current CD4 count and viral load is?
When were you diagnosed with HIV? and how long had you been on treatment before stopping? and do you want to restart the same treatment you had before?
You can restart at the same clinic you were having treatment previously. This will allow the doctor to have your previous notes and understand how best to treat.
After restarting there is some risk of resistance. To check this you will have a viral load test a few weeks after restarting. This will check that your treatment is still working and HIV is being suppressed.
Why did you stop treatment 3 years ago?
What happed when you stop taking your arvs for 3 years and you want to start again
Hi Rue, it is good to hear that you want to restart. How long had been on treatment prior to this? and do you know your current CD4 count and viral load?
Is there a reason you do not want to tell your doctor about defaulting? Telling your doctor about how you have/are managing HIV can help them guide what treatment to offer you. There is some risk of resistance after not being on treatment for 5 months. Do you want to go back on to the regimen you were using previously? It is recommended to have a viral load test a few weeks after restarting to ensure that your treatment is still working.
Will you be going to a different clinic? You do not require previous medical notes to return to treatment but it can help inform your doctor about what works for you. Most people do not have a problem restarting. Was there a reason you had stopped?
Please see this previous question: https://i-base.info/qa/21943
I stopped arvs for 5 months.i want to start again.want to ask if the doctors can tell if i defaulted because i want to start from testing again.i dont have transferring letter from previous hospital