Question
What if I miss a dose or take a double dose by mistake?
29 December 2017. Related: Adherence, All topics.
Hi, if i forget to take my pill on time, or maybe take it twice a day, without remembering i took it, then maybe overdose by mistake. Can it cause any harm to my health?
Answer
Missing an occasional pill is okay
Taking a double dose of HIV medication is usually okay  – but it is not a good idea. The main risk is that you might get side effects for a few hours due to the short time when you have higher drug levels.
Additional doses of other types of medication might require speaking to a doctor or pharmacist about the short term side effects.
It is better to get a pill box. Then you can see each day whether or not you have taken your meds. These are cheap and work really well.
Josh.
Answer revised 16/02/22
Hi San, unfortunately after 72 hours there is no benefit in taking PEP.
More information about PEP can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
I got delayed in taking PEP after exposure I only got it after 5 days will it help
Hi M – PrEP is very flexible – it is easy to take an extra pill if you are worried. This new guide has just been updated:
https://i-base.info/uk-guide-to-prep-february-2024/
Hey,
So I’m taking event based PrEP and I’ve taken my first double dose and then a dose yesterday, but today my anxiety is at me and I can’t remember if I took the pill at lunch. I’m fairly sure I did, and there’s 26 out of 30 left in the containter – but my brain isn’t letting it go.
Is it bad to take another today to ensure I’m 100% stuck to the 2-1-1?
Thanks, and I’ve ordered myself a pill box so this never happens again.
Hi Kaul, please don’t worry, taking one extra pill of any med will be okay. This website is about HIV care though. If you have been prescribed this painkiller, you might just feel a little less pain or get slightly more side effect for a few hours.
I accidentally took two pills of Ergonac P and I am super anxious.
Please help
Hi Elize, please contact your doctor about your responses to this drug. This i-Base service is about medicines for HIV. Please do not change the dose without talking to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist first.
My dr prescribed 25 mg Epitec (lamotrigine) in morning and 25 mg at night as a mood stabilizer, but I feel worse than ever. Can’t I take the two 25 mg at once in the morning? Will it lift my mood. Im constantly in a panic mood and crying.
Hi Bola, this will be ok, just take meds again as normal now.
I missed 2 doses of vemildy due to unavoidable circumstances.
What are the effects