Q and A

Question

Can I take ARVs if I’m not positive?

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

Answer

Thanks for getting in touch.

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

52 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Boiketlo,

    What ARVs have you been given? How long have you been on them for? When you were diagnosed was your viral load and CD4 count taken?

  2. Boiketlo

    I tested positive but the second line was not clear and the nurses started to give me arvs immediately but I have not being feeling well….my sleeping hours have reduced and I had a headache and feel like vomiting

  3. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Bernice,

    Do you mean that your HIV tests to confirm your first HIV positive result are all negative? Please let us know what your 3 months injection was.

    It’s not clear exactly what your question is. But you can talk to your doctor if you think your first HIV test was a false positive.

    Do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results? Please let us know.

  4. Bernice

    Hi I tested 2 years ago and found out I was hiv + I’ve been drinking my tabs for a while, but I test now for 4 times when I went for 3 months injection.. Every time it’s negative Im not taking ARV for more then 4 months now and stil I’m negative what does that mean

  5. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Lethabo,

    I’m sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. Have you already had a test to confirm this test?

    However, it can be a tough time if you’ve just found out you’re HIV positive. Please see this page about just finding out.

    Although finding out you are HIV positive is a shock, it will get easier.

    Please see this introduction to ART (HIV treatment)

  6. Lethabo

    Hi I’m currently suffering from depression and anxiety. I went to test for HIV n my results came positive with the second fainted line. I don’t have a signs of HIV… They already gave ARVs….

  7. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Andiswa,

    Is sounds like you may be having some mild side effects, if this is the case these should pass in a week or two. However, with regards to the test it sounds like you need a confirmation test. You should also have a CD4 count and viral load test done.

  8. Andiswa

    I’ve been testing negative but last week I went to the clinic for piles and decided to do the test, I tested positive with fainted second line and the nurse put me on arvs without knowing my cd4 count.. My problem now is that everyday I feel dizzy and have strange cramps as if I’m having stroke

  9. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Sphiwe,

    I’m not sure about your question. If you tested HIV positive it’s good that the nurse gave you ARVs. That’s because ARVs can reduce HIV to tiny amounts in your body. But the virus doesn’t die. However, HIV can’t do much damage to your health when you take ARVs.

    Largactil can have a weak interaction with some ARVs. So it’s a good idea to check this with the nurse too.

  10. Sphiwe

    Hi i tested positive two months ago but the second line wasnt clear when the nurse was doing the test they gave me ARVs, largectil and pyridoxine and havent had sex after i did the test

    Just want to know if the virus can die?

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