Question
Can I develop resistance if I missed 4 days of Atripla?
15 February 2012. Related: Access to treatment, Adherence, All topics, Resistance.
I have been taking Atripla for about 2 years now, not missing one day. My Viral Load is Undetectable, and CD4 Count is near 500.
My question is this.
This past friday I had to renew my prescription to Atripla and my local pharmacy couldn’t get in touch with my doctor, so i was without my meds until tuesday when she got back, so that left me 4 days without meds. I finally got some, and now back on schedule.
Do you think there is a chance I could develop resistance?
Answer
I’m very sorry to hear about your late delivery but glad to know that you are back on schedule.
Atripla is quite a ‘forgiving’ drug because it does take a long time to leave your body, so it is very unlikely that you will develop resistance.
Since you have missed 4 doses of your medication, it is recommended that you discuss this with your HIV doctor. The only way you can tell if you develop resistance is if your viral load becomes detectable. Your doctor can run some tests to determine whether this has happened.
We are aware that for some people getting access to HIV medication can be a problem. One way of avoiding this again is to keep an extra supply of your medication. You can ask you pharmacy for an extra 2 weeks supply.
Another back up can be if you know anyone else who takes the same medication as you. If you do then you can temporarily borrow some from them. By joining a support group, you may meet other people on the same treatment. This way you can support each other if this were to happen again.
Hi Dave,
Are you taking Atripla?
As it says on this Q&A, Atripla is quite a ‘forgiving’ drug because it does take a long time to leave your body, so it is very unlikely that you will develop resistance.
But as you have missed 4 doses of your medication, it is recommended that you discuss this with your HIV doctor.
Hi,
I went on vacation and brought just enough pills for the duration of my stay. However, due to unfortunate conditions my flight got cancelled and was pushed back on a later date which will cause me to miss 3 doses.
As soon as i arrived home I was able to take one dose as scheduled which was the last pill remaining from my supply. However when i went to my clinic to get a refill they were closed due to a holiday which will result to me missing another dose.
I am very worried that this may cause serious implications… I have never missed a dose this long before…
Hoping that you can shed some light on this
Hi Zoe,
It really isn’t possible for me to say if you’ll have developed resistance to your previous medication. This is something that you’ll need to discuss with your doctor. Are you going to restart?
Hello, please I missed my dose for two months, I am really scared, will resistant kick in?
Hi Fikile,
i-base are based in the UK. The following org however should be able to help you: https://tac.org.za/ You could also try going to a clinic and telling them what has happened.
I need an urgent intervention.I came to Joburg and I was hoping that I brought enough med’s. Unfortunately I was not aware that it’s finished.I am not sure if I can get help for a supply for a month until I go back to Durban to my Doctor for a new script.I will appreciated your assistance
Hi Steven,
I’m sorry to hear this story. Why are you out of medication? Please let us know what the problem is, and tell us what country you live in. There might be help and support locally.
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign. They might be able to help with local support.
hi i missed my dose for a week now i am out medication can that affect me please help doctor
Hi Guda,
Trivenz is another name for Atripla. So, as Lisa says below, it’s not ideal but you’ll be fine.
Trivenz is quite a ‘forgiving’ drug because it does take a long time to leave your body, so it is very unlikely that you will develop resistance.
What are the reasons for missing the doses? If you need some tips to help take Trivenz please see this link.
I missed 2 doses of trivenz will I have resistance