Question
Can I stop treatment now that I am undetectable?
3 January 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV transmission, Sexual health, Stopping treatment.
Can someone using ART to manage HIV stop treatment after the viral load is undetectable, and remain untransmittable of the HIV?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
No. HIV medication is currently life-long. It is great that you are undetectable but this is only while you take medication. HIV medication is required to be at a certain concentration within your body. If this falls HIV is able to rebound and begin replicating again. Your viral load will go back up and your CD4 count fall.
It is likely you will remain undetectable (and untransmissable) for a few days after stopping but this will not last long. If you want to remain undetectable you will need to remain consistent with your drug regimen. Are you coping okay with it?
Josh.