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Eating Food And Taking Medication.

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

Ok so this could be a continuum of the last question I posted about sun exposure. But I will just make a different post. Since this is on my mind now (because I JUST DID IT), I had another question about how to take your medication
A lot of the HIV pills you must take with food. What if you are in a position to where you can't eat but must take your pill? Do you take your pill without eating? Do you find a quick bite to eat somewhere or somehow
I had an early supper and ate heavy. Now that it… read more

July 26, 2019
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Answer Summary

Members shared diverse strategies for managing HIV medications that require food, with the consensus being that while following medication... Read more

Members shared diverse strategies for managing HIV medications that require food, with the consensus being that while following medication instructions is ideal, life doesn't always allow for perfect adherence and occasional flexibility is okay. Several members described practical solutions including keeping crackers, granola bars, or small snacks on hand, eating just half a bagel or a few bites of something simple, and prioritizing consistency over perfection since most medications account for occasional deviation from instructions. A recurring theme was the importance of listening to your own body and finding what works personally, whether that means taking meds with a light snack, adjusting timing around meals rather than the clock, or consulting your doctor when medications cause uncomfortable side effects like nausea or drowsiness.

A myHIVteam Member

As an "old" hand & (worn out) experienced individual on this subject I have found what best works for me.
Key Word "what works for me"
A light snack 20- 30 minutes before taking meds usually works.
Now on some medications it gives you a warning about NOT eating grapefruit; Heed the warning! You Will get quite ill.

July 31, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

Right now my medication does not require food but I take it with dinner anyway - it can't hurt! But in the past it was a real problem especially when working or travelling. I used to take a medication which had to be refrigerated and I was travelling by car (6 times) across the U.S. But I try to be consistent and have it down to a science now. At my work, which is a school, I eat lunch with my colleagues and just nonchalantly take my pills and supplements. I really don't care what anyone might think. My energy and level of activity plus hard work defy the fact that anything is even wrong with me! That has been my formula!

July 27, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

Just take the pills, on time, with or without food - don't make life difficult for yourself just take the darned pills

July 30, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I take my Juluca after my first few bites of dinner no matter what time I eat it. My care team says that it is good to stay close to the same time but a few hours one way of the other does not matter. Just my personal thoughts!

July 27, 2019
A myHIVteam Member

I take Biktarvy about an hour after eating so there’s still food in my stomach. If we’ve had an earlier dinner, I’ll have a pice if bread or something small

July 27, 2019

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