3.17 What if I forget to take my pills?

The following information is a guide in case you missed a dose of meds.

If you realise you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

BUT, if you only realise when you’re going to take your next dose, DO NOT take a double dose.

• Almost everyone will forget or be late with their drugs at some time. But there is a difference between occasionally missing a dose, and regularly forgetting on a daily or weekly basis. You need to aim to take all your doses at approximately the right time.

What if you are regularly taking your meds late or missing doses?

• If you are missing many doses each week, please talk to your doctor. It might be better to use meds that have less risk of resistance – or in extreme cases stopping ART.
• This would only be to help support you to get a more organised schedule. Stopping ART is NOT recommended otherwise.
• This would limit your risk of resistance. You can restart treatment later when you are able to cope better.

There may be an easier combination that you can use.

• Some people hate lots of pills. Some hate fatty foods or having to eat breakfast. Some people will always have trouble with taking medicine at work during the day.
• All these things are important in deciding which combination will suit you best.

You have to follow your regimen everyday.

• Adherence includes both during the weekend, and in the different situations involved in life.
• Taking days off is a risky way of using ART.
• There are always things that can help you to avoid missing doses, whatever your life involves.

Last updated: 1 January 2023.