Question
Is it ok if I take my meds 15 or 30 mins late?
10 October 2016. Related: Adherence, All topics.
Do you have to take your arvs at exactly the same time each day? Will for example 30 mins (or even an hour) each way have any impact whatsoever on the suppression of the virus or cause resistance? I am worried as even though I take them every day some days it is 15 or 30 mins later or earlier than the previous day.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
It is sometimes difficult to take your meds at the exact same time everyday.
Even when starting, there is a window of about an hour either side of your target time when it is still fine to take them.
For example, if you want to take your meds every night at 10 pm, then any time between 9pm and 11pm will be fine.
Everyone has a few times when we forget our meds though.
The less this happens the better. But if it does happen once in a while then there is nothing to worry about. If you forget in the future, take them as soon as you remember. However, if this is already close to the next dose DO NOT take a double dose.
Once you get an undetectable viral load, especially if it has been undetectable for several years, you have more flexibility. This partly depends on which drugs you are using.
Some once daily drugs (including tenofovir DF, emtricitabine and efavirinz) have long half-lives. This means drug levels stay in your body for long enough to cover being several hours late or even missing a dose completely.
Several studies are looking at whether reduced dosing might be safe – for example by only taking ART for four days a week. We need bigger studies before we know if this is safe though.
Note: this question was updated in October 2016 from and original answer in April 2011.
Hi Molly,
Accidents do happen. But taking a double dose by accident on rare occasions shouldn’t cause serious harm. Taking a double dose like this can increase the chance of side effects. It’s a good idea to tell your doctor about it.
Hi
Was not sure if I took my ARVs then after 30 mins I took only to realise I already did. That makes me taking 2 tablets 30 minutes apart instead of only 1 tablet at night.
Hi Sphwie,
If you did’t see the pill then this could imply that your body had already absorbed the med.
Lisa Thorley
I didn’t see the pill
Hi Sphiwe,
When you were sick, did you see the pill?
Hi I just recently started taking Arv’s, 3 days now, but on my 3rd I vomited 15minutes after taking, what do I do on such instances.. I am taking Atenef
On my second day I vomited 2 hours later
Hi Magdeline,
Do you mean your viral load is now 275 copies? Please talk to your doctor and ask for another viral load test. It could be just a blip. A blip is when viral load goes above 50 copies and then drops back down.
A blip is usually undetectable again on the confirmatory test. But if it’s not, you can ask your doctor if you need to change treatment.
My virtual load was 40 copies to lower than undetectable be am 275 copies been on treatment for 2 years should I be worried
Hi Ankush,
As Simon says on this Q&A, It is sometimes difficult to take your meds at the exact same time everyday.
Even when starting, there is a window of about an hour either side of your target time when it is still fine to take them.
I have late to take my medication 10 minutes late after 10 days did it work same