How Do Any Of You Manage To Stay On Medication An Take Them On Time? | myHIVteam

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How Do Any Of You Manage To Stay On Medication An Take Them On Time?
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭

I do good taking antivirals until I get overwhelmed with life (school, work, exc). How do any of you manage to stay on medication an take them on time?

posted December 20, 2016
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A myHIVteam Member

I have several things I do.
1) I have my pill times set to android alarm on my phone and tablet.
2) I have everyday reminders sent to me on google calendar
3) I keep 4 days worth of just my HIV meds in my glove compartment in the car, just in case I forget to grab them on my way out the door. just remember to restock your car. you can remind yourself with of course android alarm
4) I have a weeks worth of meds at a friends house that I am at a lot.
5) I have a weeks worth of meds locked up at work (when I was working)
6) when the alarm goes off to take meds, I do not shut it off, until I take my meds, instead I hit the snooze button (I have it snoozing for 15 minutes).
7) when I get my first prescription, (you can do it even if you do it if it is not your 1st prescription), I renew my meds at the end of the 3rd week. when I get them, I still have a week's worth of meds left. I then set my google calendar up to remind me every 28 days to remind me to get a refill. If you renew every 28 days, and get 30 days of pills, in a year, you will have an extra 24 days of meds stocked up, in the case of emergency of insurance problems. Right now, I have 2 months reserve on hand. When the doctor changes prescriptions, I finish up what I have first, but still order the new prescriptions, so I can keep my reserves on hand.

posted January 3, 2017
A myHIVteam Member

I am currently using HERO, a dispenser with an app. I load everything into it to include OTC medicines and vitamins. There are 10 slots inside the device. The only drawback is there is a monthly subscription you must pay for even after the initial purchase of the device.
It has kept me 100% compliant with taking all of my meds without fail. I no longer worry if I missed a dose and it will also remind me of the levels remaining. The app also send a reminder text when I am away from the unit.
It is child safe, since I have 3 grand children in my home.
It is well worth it, to me, having this convenient way of managing my medication.
It is not a replacement for Timmy (rip) who was my partner and reminder.

Now, I have to decide what to do with my 31 day carousel dispenser that is well used and well cared for. Any takers? I will send it to you if you want it.
Aloha! John

posted February 5, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

Cause I know if I don't take my meds on time every day . I'm gonna get sick and then I'm going to get sick . And I'm going to take my meds cause I want to see all of you get old . It's the good life for me been undetected for 15 years .

posted December 25, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

You can try phone alarms, or use an app that offers a free reminder/email service to your phone. The reminder can say anything you like, as long as you know it relates to meds.

posted January 3, 2017
A myHIVteam Member

As a long term survivor I refused megadose AZT when that was only thing available in 80s and 90s until 1997 when protease inhibitors became available thanks to activism. I refused megadose AZT on advice of my only sister who had aids diagnosis in 1985 in NYC . She told me not to go on it because they were all dying on it. I listened to her. Waited until 1997 which by that time I had less than 10 t cells.
The protease inhibitors were horrible with very nasty side effects but I can say I way surpassed my " 6 months to live" and since I started meds I have been compliant and undetectable ever since. I take my one pill a day right before I go to bed. Everyone I knew that refused to be compliant including my sister and husband are dead.

posted June 30, 2023

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