Question
I missed a dose of ARVs while breastfeeding. Is my baby at risk?
26 January 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, Children.
Hi, I missed taking my ARVs last night and I’m breastfeeding, will this affect my baby? The reason I missed my dose is because i’m visiting home so I left them at my place. Can I continue breastfeeding until my next dose tonight or must I take it immediately when I get them from the clinic?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Congratulations on your new baby. Missing a single dose is not going to risk yours or your babies health. You can continue taking your ARVs as you normally do, there is no need to take an additional dose.
HIV medication remains active in the body longer than 24 hours. Missing a single dose is not a long enough time for the medication to stop working. It is also not enough time for HIV to start replicating. You can continue to breastfeed your baby in this time.
Josh.
Hi Sizakele, thanks for posting. Have you been able to restart your meds again now. If yes, then your baby will not have been affected by these few days. Your clinic might be able to help with support if there was a reason you missed these days.
Hi missed my ARVs for 4 days and I’m also breastfeeding will it effect my baby
Hi there anonymous
So long as you still have all your meds, this will also cover your baby for these few weeks.
Please talk to you clinic though about everything else because different countries have different recommendations.
Hi. I forgot my baby’s medication at home and I’ll be away for 2 weeks and I’m breastfeeding but I have my ARV’s with me. Will she be at risk?