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.
I’m HIV positive Malaysian since yr 2016 and currently on HAART with Efavirenz 600mg and Tenofovir 300mg + Emtricitabine 200mg. Thanks GOD my HIV was under controlled with my CD4 count more 700 and Viral Load less than 10. I took my ART in time fit scheduled on 9.30pm everyday. Unfortunately, I’m rushing with my working appointments today and now, my mind was locked really cannot remember that am I have takes my ART or not. I’m worry in fact will makes my viral load resistance if I have missed my dosage. What should I do now or could I just takes my ART? Or if overdosage, what will happen for me?
Hi Isaac,
I’m sorry to hear that your wife has taken more than 10 drugs at once. Please can you call the doctor ugently and ask what to do? It’s important that you do this as soon as you can.
We are not doctors at i-Base. Please try to get help from the doctor and clinic.
My wife is positive and she has taken more than10 drugs at once….what’s the first aid I should take
Hi Mangaliso,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is tragic to hear that you’ve lost your greatest support and motivation.
But is there someone who can help at this very difficult time? Perhaps someone at your clinic can put you in touch with people to talk to. They might be able to support you through this time when you are feeling intense sorrow and distress.
What country do you live in? There might be an organisation that can provide support to you. Please let us know.
I’m so depressed due to loss of my one and only child (24) in a car accident, wish It could have been me due to my HIV status. She had no child; no HIV and just graduated. Versus myself had cervical cancer; HIV at her conception and not working. Thought I could just overdose my ARV’s and die.Its a pity I had renal failure before thus I doubt their efficiency as means of suicide. But I honestly have no reason to live an unproductive life.She was my greatest support and motivation to love life.
Hi Ntombi,
When you say your liver has been damaged, do you have any results? Has your doctor discussed treatment options with you? How long h ave you been on ARVs for?
The doctor said i can drink 4 aluvia at night with one ADCO emtevir…the ploblem now there said it damage liver even my feet is swelling.
…I take vitamin tables an for liver tables such as essential
Hi Purity,
If you realise you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. BUT, if you only realise when you’re going to take your next dose, do not take a double dose.
So it should be okay to take your ARVs at the usual time tonight. What ARVs are you taking?
I normally take my dose of ARVs at night and yesterday I slept early and wokeup next morning and when I remembered that I did take it lastnight then I immediately took one.my question now is that tonight can I can another one as todays dosage?
Hi Sipho,
Please can you ask the clinic about this? What PEP meds are you taking?
But it’s a good idea to double check with the doctor and make sure you’re taking the correct dose of these meds.