Question
What are the risks of taking an over-dose of ARVs?
4 January 2011. Related: Adherence, All topics, Drug interactions, Side effects, Support.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Taking one or two extra doses of ARVs it not likely to be a problem. But is could increase side-effects from the drugs for a couple of days.
To give you a more accurate answer please let me know how much of an overdose you are talking about. For example, is it just forgetting someone had already taken the drugs and taking them again once? Or are you talking about someone say taking a whole months supply at once?
Taking a double dose by accident on rare occasions shouldn’t cause serious harm, however, a deliberate overdose of a lot of ARVs could increase the toxicities to such an extent that it damages the body’s vital organs.
Good day.. I was put on PeP after a potentially exposure two weeks back. Just today I realized I was supposed to take two tablets 2 times a day instead of two tablets a day which is what I was doing 1 in the morning and 1 at night. I was shocked at realising my mistake.. Please kindly advise
Hi Lilla,
Taking a double dose by accident on rare occasions shouldn’t cause serious harm.
It can sometimes be difficult to remember to take the pill at the right time. There are tips to help us take them at the right time at this link.
Please I just mistakly take atripla 123 double time today and I suppose take it once daily.
I forgot that I already took it 8 . O’clock this evening and I and took it again by 10:30 the same evening.
I am afriad because I don’t know what will happen to me
Hi Lumuno,
i-base advocates aren’t professional counselors. If you’re feeling like this, you should seek help.
I am bipolar and I am on ARV pills. Today, I almost killed my mother, I don’t want to live anymore. Can I die by taking an overdose of ARV pills ?
Hi Bb,
What do you mean by overdosed? How many pills have you taken?
I accidentally overdosed. I’m using triumeq. what should I do?
Hi Sakhisiwe,
I’m so sorry to hear this. Is it possible to get help with your suicidal thoughts?
But it is urgent you see the doctor and explain what has happened. Please try to do this quickly.
I’m 2 months pregnant and i overdosed ARVs as in a whole month packet but i’m not HIV positive,i was suicidal. Will that cause any harm to my unborn baby?
Hi Milo,
Yes you can take the efavirenz again, this won’t be an issue.