Question
Will I be ok if I was 3 hours late with my meds, just once?
27 May 2013. Related: Adherence, All topics.
I took my ARVs more than 3 hours late last night. I just wanna know if it still ok? It happened only once.
Answer
Hi,
This is very unlikely to have any impact on your health either way.
As you know, it is not a good idea to be late. But if this only happens occasionally, you will be fine. Everyone is likely to miss or be late once in a while.
How late you can be is related to the meds in your combination. Once your viral load has been undetectable for a while, then most combinations have an hour or two flexibility either side or your target time.
For some meds that are processed by your body more slowly, you may have even more time, but it is still always safer to find the time that works best for you and tom aim for this every day.
Hi Russ,
Yes it’s ok to change the time of day that you take your meds. Meds should be taken at a time that works for you. http://i-base.info/qa/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?paged=1#comments-form
Hi
I’m Russ I Wana change my drinking pill from 6 to 9,is it ok ?
Hi Julius,
This won’t be an issue. Its common that people take their meds a few hours either side of their normal time.
hi there my schedule in taking arv is 8pm but i take it at 12am im so worried dont know what to do.
Hi Daniel,
Sometimes it’s difficult to stick to the exact same time when taking HIV treatment (ART). But if you aim for the same time every day you could allow yourself a window of an hour before and after this target time.
You should be fine. But it’s good to try and make sure you’re not 4 or more hours late very often. Here’s a link to tips on helping to take them in the right way.
hi, i took my meds late for 2hours friday n 4 hours sat and 4 hours on sunday, am i gna b okay, im new on treatment
Hi Jeff,
Yes you’ll be fine. As long as you try and take your meds a few hours either side of your normal time there won’t be any issues.
I Took It 1hour 30minutes Late And I’m So Worried. Am I Safe?
Hi Herbert,
Please see Simon’s answer above, it’s very unlikely to have any impact on your health either way. There’s more information there too.
Is it still safe? I took 3hours late my ARVS