What Happens if I Miss a Dose of My Medication?

What Happens if I Miss a Dose of My Medication?

If you do miss your medications, you should take them as soon as you remember. If you do not remember them until it is time for your next dose, you may have to take a double dose. However, do not get in the habit of doubling up. Even though it is better than not taking the dose at all, doubling up can increase side effects and is not as effective in destroying HIV.

One common reason for missing doses is that the medication is not available at the pharmacy. In some cases, your physician may need to call in a prescription to another pharmacy in the area. Even if your insurance will not cover the medication at the other pharmacy, it is better to buy a few pills to get you by than to miss your medications. To avoid the hassle, try to remember to call in your refills a few days ahead of time.

Many HIV specialists keep antiretroviral medications in the office. If you run out and cannot get them from a pharmacy, ask your health care provider if they have any in the office.

Many people do not take enough medication with them when they travel. Always make sure to take enough medication for the trip, plus a little extra in case your plans change and you are away longer than expected. It is probably a good idea to bring twice as much medication as you will need. Also, bring an extra pill container so you do not have to carry all of your pills, all of the time.

Another common reason for missing doses is that patients often do not really believe it is necessary to take all the pills all of the time. Many patients believe that one or two missed doses a month do not matter. This is simply not true: the virus will start to reproduce, mutate, and develop resistance.