Question
If I take HIV drugs early is there a risk of overdose?
27 March 2009. Related: Adherence, All topics, Side effects.
I am taking Truvada and nevirapine. My viral load is undetectable.
I’m about to go away on a business trip and am not sure when I’ll be able to take my pills. I remember my doctor saying I could take them early, so long as I never leave more than 24 hours between doses, but is this allowable several times?
That is, can I take one dose 18 hours after the previous, the next after another 12 hours, the next after 16 and so on, if I need to? I’d prefer to take them whenever I can get away in private, rather than exactly 24 hours later, as I’ve been doing at home.
Is there any danger of overdosing?
Thanks – and thanks for running this excellent service!
Answer
You can take your medicines less than 24 hours apart. It is, actually, what people do when they want to switch the time when they take ARVs, ie when they travel to a different time zone.
Having slightly higher drug levels of HIV drugs for a few hours will not cause any harm, and in one trip it is also fine to do this several times.
Each drug will have it’s own effect but none of these should be noticeable with the drugs you are taking.
Remember, that if you are taking nevirapine 400mg once-daily, you can split the dose to 200mg twice daily, so if you know you will be taking your next dose in 12 hours you would only need to take one 200mg tablet for that period.
Although modern medicines are researched for their safety and tolerability, it is not really advisable to expose yourself frequently or for a long period to an increased risk of side effects. When you are back home, sticking as much as possible to the 24 hours interval would be great, but a bit earlier or a slight delay won’t make much harm. I tend to be a bit traditional and old fashioned in that respect.
When travelling, is it possible to perhaps taking the pills in the bathroom/toilet or find an explanation, like “I am taking vitamins and herbal supplements”? This may be even an easier option. You won’t believe how many people take that seriously.
Hello I took my treatment two in a row because I had forgotten that I had already taken .. Does this cause anything to my health?
Hi Alexi,
You’ll be fine, there won’t be any side effects or resistance.
Hello, I am taking biktarvy. I normally take it at 7:30 am but I had panicked thinking I have forgotten to take it and accidentally took 6 hours early at 1:30. Will there be any side effects or drug resistance that will develop?
Hi Dali,
When you say defaulting, what do you mean? Are you missing the occasional ARV or is this regular?
If your meds are daily, then you need to take them daily. You can’t take 2 to catch up.
It’s important to know that if you don’t take your meds are prescribed, the risk of developing resistance will increase.
hi i have been defaulting, i forget… can i take it twice a day to make up for past few months?
Hi Wells,
You’ll be fine. If you can just continue taking your meds are normal.
Hi, I took my efavirenz twice in less than 12hrs. I mistaked the drug for another one I’m meant to take in the morning. I hope there’s no problem?
Hi Sbonga,
I’m so sorry to hear about your girlfriend.
However, it’s a good idea for your girlfriend to see the doctor and explain what has happened. She can ask for support and help about feeling suicidal.
If you live in South Africa please contact the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) at this contact link. The TAC can help with local support.
Hi My Girlfriend took and overdose for Atroiza (ARV’s) & Laxa-dor, She’s suicidal how much should i be worried?
Hi John,
It’s perfectly fine to take meds a few hours either side of your normal time, so it’s OK to take them early.