Question
Should I be worried if I am late taking my meds?
17 October 2011. Related: Adherence, All topics, Resistance.
I do shift work and sometimes I forget to take my medication on time. Does it make any difference and should I be worried about it?
Answer
Taking your medication on time and every time is very important. It is better to aim for the same time each day. There is usually a window period of about 1 or 2 hour that is still okay. All combination drugs are flexible enough to allow this window period but only on limited occasions.
The drugs works by stopping the virus from replicating itself. The level of the drug needs to be above the minimal level. If the levels drops below the minimal level then you can develop resistance.
I include a link for you based on adherence. You can find all the necessary information and if you have any further queries please do write back.
Thanks – sounds like your pharmacy is giving you good advice. For other readers, this is related to the specific drugs you are taking. Some combinations are better than others with this flexibility.
Hi
I was advised by my consultant and the pharmacy that a window of 1 to 2 hrs around my dosage time would be ok (I do shift work – so this was a relief for me to know)
My viral load has stayed undetectable whilst I have taken this time span into consideration.
All good wishes