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 Ellen, please speak with your pharmacist. If you are unable to do so before you need to take your next dose, it would be better to skip the medication rather than double your medication.
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Hi Dd, what ARVs are you taking? and how long for? Do you know how much weight you have lost since starting treatment?
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Hi Michael, you do not need to be worried about taking an extra dose of these medications. You may experience more side effects than normal (if you even do experience side effects), but these will go away as the medication level in your body drops to normal in a day or two.
If you remain worried, or are having continued side effects that are not normal please speak to your pharmacist.
I accidentally took two doses of Tivicay 50 mg, and two truvadas 200-300mg. I’m supposed to take them both once a day. But I forgot I already took them in the morning and I ended up taking them again in the in afternoon. Should I be worried? I’m scared
Hi Julie, in general this shouldn’t be a problem. You may notice more side effects than normal, mainly feeling dizzy when standing. This effect should quickly go away when the drug level in your body returns to normal. If you have side effects that are worrying you or they are not getting better, please speak to a doctor/pharmacist.
Accidentally took 60 mgs instead of 30 mgs of Isosorbide Mononotrate. Will I be OK?
Hi Billie, you will be okay going to bed. You may be a bit light-headed standing up for the next day but this will stop when the extra medication wears off in the body. You do not need to do anything.
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