Question
I stopped meds, can I begin taking them again?
14 December 2016. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
I found out about my HIV status this year September I was then given arvs on the 18 of October I only used them for three weeks I then stop….. It has been a month not taking them, will I become resistance to the treatment if I start using them next month? my cd4count is 327. Im scared if I start using them again I will get sick so I wanna know if I can start using them again or I should take immune boosters
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Firstly, HIV meds are very good and very safe. They work really well. Even if you have trouble with side effects with one combination, it should be easy to use a different one.
“Immune boosters” are just an advertising scan. Although companies might claim this, there is no evidence that any of them work for HIV – or anything else.
These products will not help your CD4 count, nor your HIV. The only thing that will is ARVs.
Having a month of meds isn’t ideal, but please talk to your doctor about this if you are worried.
It is great that you are thinking about restarting as the combination is likely to still work very well. For more info on restarting, please see this earlier answer:
https://i-base.info/qa/12271
Hello Luks and thanks for getting in touch.
Going back to treatment is a really good idea and the only way you can keep healthy for years to come.
Please visit your clinic (or any HIV clinic) – they will be very happy to see you and restart your treatment
I have defaulted for over 2 years can I go back to arv treatment I need to do so
Hello Liziwe and thanks for getting in touch.
I am sorry to hear you are unwell.
I agree with you, you should restart medication as soon as possible.
What was the reason you stopped taking them?
I have a problem: I stopped talking my medication almost a year ago. Now I always get sick, I’m also losing weight. Please help me guys, I need to restart my medication as soon as possible.
Hello Cindi and thanks for getting in touch.
Please continue with your medication, the sickness will pass.
In the meantime consider having small and often meals of food you like, as much as can you tolerate it.
Thank a look here for more information:
https://i-base.info/guides/side/nausea
Hi I have stopped medication for 3days and when I started again I felt sick , still sick but iam continuing, what should I do
Hello Kwena and thanks for getting in touch.
If you take your medication every day but not at the same time then you will maintain your undetectable status.
If you haven’t taken your medication for more than a week then you will soon lose the undetectable status and your virus will start multiplying again.
The best thing is to restart your medication as soon as possible as this way you can make sure you remain healthy and undetectable.
Please read here for more information:
https://i-base.info/qa/11921
https://i-base.info/guides/starting/adherence
Hi …i have days not taking my meds at the same time and i am undetectable could this hqve an effect
Hi Mike, thanks for talking about your experience at the moment – and I am sorry you are having a rough time. i-Base is in the UK so we only know about services here and you don’t say which country you are in. Getting social security can be difficult in lots of countries though but it is easier if you can get help from either a support worker at your HIV clinic or from an HIV organisation in your country.
There will be people who can help you and this will change how you feel about your situation at the moment. It is definitely better to apply for the social security help that you need, especially if your doctor supports that your medical condition limits your ability to work.
I been on Biktarvy for maybe 2 years did seem to get little healthier. I almost died and was brought bak to life. Now I have one health issue after another and I’m been begging social security for help. My doctor told me I had a 30% chance of survival and can’t work etc. social security denied me twice said they need more evidence..lol so maybe if die things might be easier for everyone..so my question is when I stopped taking Biktarvy how long will I have…and don’t worry bout the pain..can it be any worse????