Question
When should I take my treatment when the clocks change?
24 October 2012. Related: Adherence, All topics, Starting treatment.
I recently started treatment. I’m taking raltegravir twice a day and Kivexa (abacavir+ 3TC) once a day.
I aim to take the raltegravir at exactly the same time (10am then 10pm). I take the Kivexa at 10pm along with the raltegravir.
Two things I wanted to ask:
The clocks go back at the end of the month, that would mean that I take my meds at 9am and 9pm instead of 10am and 10pm – is that right or should I stick to the 10am and 10pm?
The other thing is that I go to France in January and they are an hour ahead – does that mean I take my meds an hour ahead of the time I would do here?
Answer
Thanks for your email. It’s good to hear that you’ve got a strong routine going at the start of treatment. Taking your medication at the same time every day will help to make sure it works effectively for you.
There is usually a window period of about 1 or 2 hours for taking ARVs. The odd occasion of missing or being late with a dose (say once a month) is unlikely to make a difference to your treatment. Of course, it’s important to try to avoid this, but it does mean that when clocks change, or for your trip to France, it’s OK to change the time you’re taking your meds.
So it’s up to you if you want to change to 9am/9pm or if you would prefer to stay with the routine you already have.
For more information about starting treatment please see our Introduction to combination therapy guide.
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Hi Kerrieann, thanks – I already answered this in reply to the email you sent. The answer was that it doesn’t really make any difference. Once you are on stable ART, you can be an hour or two early or later without it being important. I usually just stay on the same clock schedule as I find this easier.
If the clocks go forward do I need to take my lamictal tablets for my epilepsy at the same time or 1hr after