Question
Will I get any symptoms if I do not take my med regularly?
5 December 2011. Related: Adherence, All topics, Resistance.
What symptoms can you have if you do not take your ARVs on a regular basis?
Answer
If you dont take your medication regularly then you can develop resistance. ‘Adherence’ is taking your medication every time, on time and to follow any diet restriction (for example with or without food). Diet restrictions are very important. Ignoring these can be like only taking half a dose. You will not absorb enough of the drug for it to work properly. It is important for you to follow this routine in order to make sure that the drugs are working properly. Take a look at this link for information on adherence.
HIV medication works by stopping the virus from replicating itself and the drugs needs to stay at a high level in order for it to work. If the level of the medication drops below the minimal level then the treatment can stop working and you can develop resistance. Take a look at this link for more information on resistance.
It is not advisable to miss or taking late dosage. But we do understand that sometimes people do forget to take their medication, as long as it does not happen on a regular basis then it is ok. There is usually a window period of about 1 or 2 hour that is still okay and all combination drugs are flexible enough to allow this widow period. The odd occasion of missing or being late with a dose (say once a month) may not make very much difference but do make sure it does not become too regular.
Can I ask whether you are having problems taking your medication on a regular basis and are you having side effects at the moment? If so could you tell us the reasons? If we know the reasons, we can suggest other ways so that you are able to take your medication regularly and also advise you more about side effects. Looking forward to hear from you again.
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