Question

I didn't take my meds with food – will I get resistance?

12 April 2011. Related: Adherence, All topics, Resistance, Side effects.

I recently went on holiday with friends and there were a few occasions where I was not able to take my medication with food, as prescribed.

I am taking a combination of Truvada, ritonavir and darunavir. I know that food increases the effectiveness of these drugs, but have I put myself at risk of developing a resistance by not taking them with food?

I recently have come down with symptoms similar to a viral infection and as much as I hope it is a coincidence, I can’t help but worry that my actions have led to my developing a resistance to the drugs I am taking.

Many thanks for your help.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Please don’t worry. Not taking your meds with food will not cause resistance. You are right that some meds are absorbed more easily when taken with food. However, it does not mean that if you take them without food they will not work.

The good news is that the drugs you are on do not require food to make them absorbed more easily. The reason you were told to take them with food was probably to lessen the side effects you might experience such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. If you do not get side effects from taking the meds without food then you don’t need to worry about it.

If you are feeling at all unwell then you should go to see your doctor to find out what is causing your symptoms as it could be that you picked up something on your travels.