Question
What time should I take my ARVs?
27 August 2013. Related: All topics, Starting treatment.
I recently discoverd that I’m HIV and pregnant and my CD4 is above 500. I just want to know what is the right time to drink medication? Because I eat at 18h30 and drink the tablets at 19h00 is it safe?
Answer
Hi,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis but congratulations on your pregnancy!
The right time to take your medication will depend on which drugs you are taking. Can you tell me the names of the tablets you are taking?
Information about how to take different ARVs can be found on our meds page.
This service is only about HIV. If you are HIV negative you have to talk to your docotr about other health worries.
hi my name is sbongile in January I have sex with the person who have HIV he told me in June that he have HIV then I go for a test then the nurse tell that I’m negative but I’m losing weight
If your HIV test is negative you do not have HIV.
Can I buy arv’s over the counter, because I know I’m positive but everytime I go to the clinic to test it is not detected and I am getting worse than the few past weeks
Hi Deon
Viral load at about 100 copies/mL is still very low. Viral laod tests are not so sensitive at low levels. In US guidelines, for example, any number less than 200 is still refered to as undetectable. If you are taking all you mes on time, the next test might be lower. If is okay to change to a different time if this is better for you.
Hi Dr my viral load is 102, is not droping.i’m not sure of the reasons . because I drink pills @ 22h00.and is safe to change my time, it won’t have effect.
Hi Dinah
I am not sure that either umhlabelo and mathunga have any evidence to show that they will help. I understand these are traditional herbal approaches but i-Base only comment on treatment with proven benefit.
If you are asking about the risk of drug interactions, then this is also difficult becasue there is not much infomration about the ingredients – so there are unlikely to be studies on drug interactions.
Some herbs definitely interact with HIV meds, so this would be best to ask your doctor.
Hi I’m on Arv treatment so got an accident my Achilles heel was affected wanted to know of its safe to drink umhlabelo and mathunga for my leg to hill fast
Hi Mercy,
It should be fine. It’s difficult for everyone to take ART at exactly the same time everyday. So a rare occasion like this can be expected and shouldn’t cause a problem.
Usually, if it’s not possible to take it right on time you can allow up to 1 hour either side of your regular time. If you usually take it at 6am, then between 5am and 7am should be okay at times like this.
If 5am is better for you these days then you can switch to 5am and carry on at that time. But you should aim for the same time everyday.
I have being on ART for the past 1 year now. I aways take it by 6am. But today I mistakenly drank it by 5am due to change in my alarm clock. Is there any risk? If No, can I still maintain my 6am? I use lamivudine/Nevirapine/zidovudine tablet. Thanks. Waiting for your argent reply please.