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.
what happens if i take a whole bottle of ARV at once.
Hi Belinda,
Why have you been told to take it twice day? Has the dosage changed? More info about Aluvia can be found here:
http://i-base.info/guides/3547
Hello,
I have been on Aluvia for 8 years taking a single dose but a physician told me to stop and resume to twice a day. Could there be a effect coz i took some after 12 hours ?
This is very helpful, thanks guys.
Hi Anderson, it is usually okay and better to take a second dose if you are not sure. But using a weekly pill box is a great way to know whether to not you took your last dose. Otherwise, it is easy even two minutes afterwards to not be sure.
Hi I can’t recall if I have taken my ARVs or not and its 4hours past my time can I take again?
Hi Anon – if you took a double-dose, you are likely to feel more side effects for the next day or so. Perhaps feeling dizzy or emotional or not sleeping so well. Using a weekly pill box is a great way to know whether to not you took your last dose. It is easy even two minutes afterwards to not be sure otherwise.
I could not remember if I took my Atripla or not and took an extra tablet….meaning potentially a double dose of Ateipla….. is there any risk or side effects I need to know about?
thanks Lisa..really appreciate this website for providing a medium like this. keep up the good work.
Hi Mason,
You’ll be fine with taking it tomorrow.It won’t impact on your HIV.