Question
Can I ration 90 biktarvy pills to cover 99 days?
25 July 2023. Related: Access to treatment, Adherence, All topics.
Hi, I’m taking Biktarvy and I’ve been undetectable for about half a year, at least. I’ve never skipped a dose. My supply of Biktarvy right now is 90 pills. However, for reasons out of my control, I won’t get a new supply until 99 days from now. Would it be okay to ration the pills out a little bit so I don’t have to go 9 straight days without meds? I don’t really want to skip doses but, for example: every couple weeks or so, maybe I’d take a pill every 36 hours instead of every 24 hours, just for a couple days, then go back to my regular schedule. How risky is that? Is there a better strategy I could use? Please advise. less than 3
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Yes you can do what you’ve mentioned.
As you are unable to access more Biktarvy before your current supply runs out, occasionally stretching the time of medication would be suitable.
Biktarvy contains medication with a long half life. This means that the medication can remain active in the body longer the 24 hours.
Every few weeks, waiting for 36 hours will still afford you treatment and help to bridge the gap until you are able to access more treatment.
While this can work, it is still important that when you do get more Biktarvy, you return to taking it every day as normal.
Doing what you have mentioned is preferable to missing 9 days in a row at the end of the supply. If it is an option, if you could access a different treatment beforehand that isn’t Biktarvy, that would also be suitable to tide you over until you can get more.
Josh.
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