Question
I want to restart taking ARVs, is this possible?
27 January 2021. Related: Adherence, All topics.
I stopped taking my pills in November, the reason for this that I don’t like pills. Though I feel good I want to start using them again. What do I need to do?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
It’s great to hear that you want to restart taking ARVs, this is a very positive step.
As you’ve been off meds for a few months, you’re going to need to talk to your doctor. Let them know that you defaulted but that you’re now ready to restart. You may be able to use the meds that you were on before, you may however need to use another combination. Ideally you should also have your viral load and CD4 count checked.
Hello Benjamin and thanks for getting in touch.
It is very common in people living with HIV and low CD4 counts to get sick with TB.
The best thing you can do is to follow your doctor’s advice for now.
When you go back to the clinic they will tell you your exact CD4 count.
Until then it’s important to keep taking the ARVs as it seems your immune system will not be able to manage well without them.
I had not been taking my medication for 3 years but I got TB and my body is just fine and doctor gave me back my ARVs will I be fine or I can change the medication