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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

Have you ever read the pamphlet on your medications?
Some medications you can just take them without food.
Other medications you have to take them with food.
for the medications that you have to take with food do you know what kind of food you have to eat to make that drug work at its maximum?
Did you know that some HIV medications work better when you eat fatty foods?
It's important to read those pamphlets that come with the medications then you know how to actually take your medications.

January 27, 2021
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Answer Summary

Members engaged deeply with the question of whether they truly understand how to take their HIV medications correctly, revealing that many had... Read more

Members engaged deeply with the question of whether they truly understand how to take their HIV medications correctly, revealing that many had been focused on timing rather than the specific food requirements outlined in drug pamphlets. Several members shared practical realizations, including learning that some medications like Biktarvy and Genvoya must be taken with food (not just snacks), that fatty foods can enhance certain drug absorption, and that supplements, antacids, and vitamins must be separated from HIV medications by at least two hours to avoid reducing effectiveness. A recurring theme was the importance of reading medication pamphlets rather than relying solely on verbal instructions from doctors or pharmacists, with one member discovering after two years that a B12 supplement had been interfering with their treatment, and another realizing they had been taking their medication incorrectly despite following what they thought were the right steps.

A myHIVteam Member

I get all of my medication through the Veterans administration. Every bottle of medicine that I get comes with a computer print out that actually if I unfolded it it would be 20 ft long. Fortunately my medicine doesn't change that much so I know how to take it I pretty much do it now without thinking cuz it has been like 30 years taking medicine.

April 18, 2022
A myHIVteam Member

I take mine at bed time one pill one bottle of water and yes i have read 4' x 4' pamphlet it doesn't show all the side affects of biktarvy big Pharmaceutical company keep it hidden drug RX has many more doctors button shows a lot more

November 28, 2021 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

For instance instead of drinking water with that pill at dinner time or breakfast drink a glass of whole milk. There's enough fat and whole milk that will make that pill work better.

January 27, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

I just eat a decent meal then 30 minutes later I take my 1 pill and go to bed. Seems to be working since I became undectable in 5 weeks since I started treatment

September 30, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

I usually read the pamphlets when I first start taking a medication. Be careful with taking supplements though even if they're prescribed by your doctor. For 2 years my doctor's been trying to figure out why my HIV meds aren't working correctly. Just haven't been able to get to non-detectable again. Last time I went to the VA I saw a resident instead of my main doctor. He said that my B12 supplement was interfering with the HIV meds. Wish I would have ran into him about 2 years ago.

April 24, 2022

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