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.
Hey
For past one month I am into ARVs and after taking the pill my body have some itching for hour 2…. So is it normal or should I consult my doctor
Hi Mirriam,
If there’s a chance that you baby swallowed some ARVs she needs to see a healthcare professional. Children shouldn’t be able to access ARVs, they need to be kept away from them in a safe place.
Hi my i found my baby with her fathers ARV’s Im not sure if she swallowed but most of them were sucked and wet, will thus do harm to her.
Hi Zee,
As it was just the one, this should be OK.
How l took my husband’s ARVs by mistake he takes the ones for at night and l take the ones for morning. Wil it affect Me?
Hi Lungile,
This sounds like a side effect, what ARVs are you taking?
Hy
Since I have been arv my whole body is itching can I ask why?
Hi Rinae,
It’s highly unlikely that taking your meds twice would do this, therefore please see a doctor.
Hi
I think I took my ARV twice by mistake all my body is feeling eanchy and when I scratch some small pimples shows up so I want to know if it might be the results of overdose
Hi Zoliswa,
I’m sorry to hear your friend took an overdose.
But it’s good that she told the doctors about it. And it sounds good that she vomited all the medication. Your friend can also check with the doctors and ask about how she’s doing.