Question

Can I split tablets to make my meds last longer? – until the President crisis is over?

1 March 2025. Related: Access to treatment, Adherence, All topics.

My viral load reads below 20 for the past 2 years.

I’m concerned becos we are now not going to hve medication due to friction between 2 presidents..

In order to save my meds till this dilemma is sorted can I take half a tablet every second day or is this risky?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there,

No, no, no – please do NOT try to split HIV pills – this is very risky.

This is a risky because a half dose will not be strong enough. Also, each of the drugs in the combination might not be evenly distributed in the pill.

However, because you are undetectable, there might be a way to make your meds last longer.

If you are taking a single pill with three meds – either TLD or TLE – then you might be able to save two pills every week. This is because the FOTO studies (Five-On, Two-Off) showed that taking five pills every week kept viral load undetectable.

Please see this Q&A for more details.
https://i-base.info/qa/25807

Please also talk to your doctor about this first.

TLD = tenofovir + lamivudine + dolutegravir.

TLE = tenofovir + lamivudine + efavirenz.

Also, thank you for posting about your situation. I am really sorry that you are in this situation. Many people are working hard to make sure HIV treatment continues to be available.

Which country are you in?