Question
When is the best time to take Ranega?
8 December 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, Pregnancy, Side effects.
Hi, am Sipho. I have started my treatment just for a few weeks now. I am not experiencing anything out of the ordinary as yet. My question is, what’s the right time to take Ranega? And would you say it’s the best drug for a pregnant person?
Answer
Hi Sipho, how are you?
It is great that you are not experiencing anything out of the ordinary. What time are you currently taking Ranega?
Ranega is a generic version of TLD. This means that it contains dolutegravir. This is the drugs that can cause common side effects assocaited with Ranega. The most common being sleeplessness. People avoid this side effect by taking the medication in the morning – this is when it is recommended to take it. Taking in the morning means the side effects should wear of before bed and not effect sleep.
Ranega is suitable for pregnancy. There is no one HIV drug that is best in pregnancy. All HIV medication is suitable to be taken throughout. Treatment is the best way to keep both you and and baby healthy. As long as Ranega is working for you, it will be the best for you to take while pregnant also.
Josh.
Hello Cj and thanks for getting in touch.
You don’t need to be on PrEP but if that makes you feel more comfortable well done for taking responsibility and starting PrEP.
ARVs can be used for treatment but also prevention.
In either case your partner is making sure she takes responsibility for herself and ensures she keeps you both safe.
You are very lucky to have found such a responsible, clever and thoughtful partner.
Congratulations.
Hey Josh I hope my comment find you well. I’m 45 years old and found that my lady is on ARV since 2021 and I ask her and denied, and fight. Then I went to test furiously, luckily my status still ok and I’m protecting myself by taking prep each time when we intimate. I started the prep the time I recovered that is using ARV
Hello Thabi and thanks for getting in touch.
I can’t understand very well from your message if you are living with HIV and if your husband is living with HIV too or not.
As far as you are taking Ranega you are protected against HIV whether you are taking it for prevention or as treatment.
For weight gain: please monitor your weight closely and inform your doctor of any changes.
We have developed a guide with advice about healthy eating which can help you by preventing weight gain:
https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
https://i-base.info/guides/side/exercise-and-staying-active
Condom use: to enjoy sex everyone who is involved should be in agreement about what we do and how, otherwise we are not enjoying it.
Josh has written a really good response in relation to your question.
You can see it here:
https://i-base.info/qa/19897
Hi Josh
I started to take Ranega in March this year. My worry is about my husband who refuses to use condoms with me and at the same time I don’t want to gain weight. How does Ranega affect me because he is not taking any drugs.