Question

Can I take ARVs if I’m not positive?

15 March 2017. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE, PrEP.

Can I use Odimune if I’m not HIV positive?

Answer

Answer: Lisa Thorley

Thanks for getting in touch.

For me to be able to answer this, I’ll need to know why you’re considering taking Odimune.

58 comments

  1. Christina Antoniadi •

    Hello Thando and thanks for getting in touch.

    Weight gain has been an issue of discussion in recent years for many reasons including whether this is a side effect of current ARVs.

    It is also related to ageing, diet, exercise, family history, hormone changes, lifestyle, etc.

    What has your doctor said about this.

    Provided you are undetectable and with a good CD4 count you should be able to gain weight, if that is what you want.

    In general the first step is to make sure your doctor knows about your concerns and that your weight is measured and recorded in your medical notes.

    The doctor should then look for possible causes that you cannot gain weight and will talk about diet and exercise etc.

    These links have more information:
    https://i-base.info/htb/40717
    https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health

  2. Thando •

    I want to gain wait

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Frank, if your girlfriend has tested negative was it explained why she was given treatment?

  4. Frank •

    My girlfriend tested negative and she was given ARVs, does it me I am affected some how

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi June, an abortion does not cause a false positive.

    More information about testing can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  6. June •

    Hi.
    I had my abortion 2 weeks ago before they tested me as an HIV positive…does abortion can cause a false positive result?

  7. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Mamokete, CD4 count does not determine if you are HIV positive or negative. CD4 count is a measure of how healthy your immune system is. At 564 your CD4 count is very good and this is within a healthy range. HIV can damage your immune system and cause this number to fall. In your case this has not happened. For someone who is HIV negative their CD4 count would be expected to be between 430 and 1690.

    Having a high CD4 count does not mean that you do not have HIV and a test would be required to confirm this.

  8. Mamokete •

    And alsmy blood was taken to lap and they say my cd4 is 546 does it mean I’m positive?

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