Q and A

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

Answer: Charlotte Walker

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.

361 comments

  1. Ncobile •

    My friend is pregnant for 7months now and she overdose 15 tablet of ARVs what will happen to the unborn child

  2. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Peter, this should not be a problem. You can continue taking your ARVs when normally planned. You may experience more side effects for the next day while there is a higher level of drug in your body. These will only last for a day or two as your body adjusts to reducing the drug level.

  3. Peter •

    I mistakenly took two tables in a space of about 10 minutes.

  4. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Lebogang, if you took the whole bottle it is important that you seek medical assistance. Why did you take the whole bottle?

  5. Lebogang •

    If you took the whole bottle …

  6. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Leanda, taking this extra tablet will not impact on your health. You may experience more side effects than usual but these will go soon when the body removes the excess drug. If any side effect does persist speak with your pharmacist, but there is nothing more you should be doing.

  7. Leanda •

    I for this morning if I have taken so think I took twice this morning it’s only one tablet daily think I took one tablet twice

  8. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Dr. Aiyaka, what tablets were you given? Were they the same or different? and did you take them at the same time?

  9. Dr. Aiyaka •

    If given three tablets instead of one, any harm

  10. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Sinothando, please see this previous question: https://i-base.info/qa/19680

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