Q and A

Question

What if I miss a dose or take a double dose by mistake?

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

136 comments

  1. Christina Antoniadi

    Hello Dhahran and thanks for the question.

    LTE and TLD are NOT the same medication.

    If you know you can get back to your own medication in two days it’s best to skip those doses.

    You will be safe if you only miss two doses in a week, if this is not something that happens often.

    Here are some information about forgetting your tablets:
    https://i-base.info/guides/starting/forgot-my-pills

  2. Dhhaan

    I forgot my LTE and borrowed TLD from my friend. Is it ok to change for just 2 days?

  3. Julia

    I took two doses of odefsey accidentally, roughly 6 hours apart, should I go to the doctors?

  4. Christina Antoniadi

    Hello Julia and thanks for the question.

    No you don’t need to go to the doctor. Just think that you took the next dose too early.

    You don’t need to do something unless you become unwell (which is highly unlikely).

  5. Christina Antoniadi

    Hi Leticia.

    This site is for answering questions about ARV medication.

    You have taken double doses of blood pressure tablets.

    Please contact your doctor if you are feeling unwell.

  6. Leticia

    Hi. I took Lisinopril and almodpine twice by mistake
    What to expect ?

  7. Simon Collins

    Hi Kevin, are you HIV positive? It is a good idea to always tell a pharmacist or doctor about any overdose if you took these all at the same time. If you only took the recommended dose each daym then this is just like anyone else taking that medicine,

  8. Kevin

    I accidentally took to packs of paxlovid, will it hurt me

  9. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Jane, as with most medication, taking a double dose is not going to cause any problems.

    If you are concerned and/or you start experiencing more side effects than normal please call a medical helpline or attend your local pharmacy.

  10. Jane

    Hi I have taken 2 avistatins will I be OK I keep forgetting I took it

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