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 was just told that my CD count is 750 from more than a 1000 I am so worried because this days I cant stay without a fan I literally sweat does this mean something is wrong with me?
Hi Nnanamsontsha, how long ago did all this happen? I am sorry that you felt so bad at that time. Did your doctor change your HIV meds? Sometimes wanting to commit suicide is a side effect of the HIV drug efavirenz. If you are careful in remembering every dose, then your viral load might go back down again. It is good that your weight is coming back again.
Hey I once tried to commit suicide by drinking more than 17 FDC tablets. Now my viral load is 3030. What should I do to make my tablets to work well in my system. I am soo worried but after taking overdose I went to hospital. they just put me on drip and now I am gaining wait & am healthier, but viral load is soo up.
Hi Makaveli,
I can’t say if you’ll be ok because I’m not aware of that you took. Therefore, my advice is that you seek urgent medical help.
If you would like to talk to me about why you took 10 tablets, please get in touch. Or if you have anything else that you’d like to ask about your HIV. Also, if you let me know were you live in the world I may be able to find some support for you.
If you taking ten tables trying to commit suicide what is the danger because right now I am breathing heavy, my kidney is painful. What must I do?
Hi Lungile,
Though not ideal, you will be ok.
Last night I took my pill at 8 and something very disturbing came up I rushed and attended on it and when I got back it was 9 and I thought that I didn’t took my pill I again took it and after a while when I was ok I realised that I took it because I was confused and angry I failed to recall am I in danger?
Hi Khensani,
The combinations that people take vary. So, yes someone may take one tablet, others 3. It all depends on the individual, and also on where they live. All ARVs regardless if you take 1 combined pill or 3 are effective at controlling a persons HIV.
With regards to overdosing , what exactly do you mean?
i want to know the difference in this meds like some taking one tablet at night and someone taking three tablet? and about maybe someone who accidently overdose for two weeks can that cause some damage
Hi MC – all these treatment are good for both you and you baby. Being sick and having diarrheoa will not have affected your baby. If you still have trouble please talk to your doctor.