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 Godfrey,
A HIV test should not be affected by a HEP B vaccination. Therefore, if you feel that you may have been given a false positive test result you will need to test again.
When you were given meds, what were you given? Also, were you told what your CD4 count is and viral load?
Hi doctor. Am suspecting I might not been having HIV virus but I was put under medication after the results came positive. Do the hepatitis B vaccination bring false results because I had been vaccinated on HBV previous 9 days before the testing of HIV.
Hi Zanele,
If your meds are Atripla or a generic version of Atripla then you should be fine. The following study shows why missing a few days might be okay. Taking your meds every day is still recommended though.
http://i-base.info/htb/30601
If you are using other meds this is also likely to be okay. Just take your meds as soon as you can.
I forgot to go with my Arv treatment when I was visiting a friend,how is it dangerous for me not to take my meds more than 2days
Hi Philiswa,
In most places yes. Where do you live? And why do you want to change?
Is it possible to change arvs,
Hi Mandy,
It is recommended to take Tribuss at night because the possible side effects are easier when you are sleeping. It can be taken at other times – just make sure this is before you have your main sleep. If you normally work night shifts, then take it when you sleep after your work. Until you try it, it is not possible to know how your body will react. Another option is to ask for a combination that does not contain efavirenz.
Please let us know how you get on.
im starting treatment today. I work nights only. when is it say to take tribes, when I return in the morning or when im about to head to work?
Hi Miss Q,
If dizziness has been a side effect since 2012, I would speak to your doctor. Or, you could take them at night.
Hi Lisa
Yes I do get dizzy if I take them when I’m not going to bed. I started taking my medication in 2012 and I’m taking Trivens.