What Would Happen If I Just Took Half Of My Biktarvi Pill Every Day Instead Of One? | myHIVteam
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What Would Happen If I Just Took Half Of My Biktarvi Pill Every Day Instead Of One?
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭

I am leaving the country for a few months and got dropped with a bomb with my insurance - they said a few months ago I could have a vacation override but now as I am preparing to leave they have changed their greedy tune and said I can only get two months instead of three. I am preparing to cut my biktarvi doses in half as I have no choice. Will it still work?

posted January 19
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A myHIVteam Member

Talk to your doctor @A myHIVteam Member.

Could you get the third month mailed to you in Mexico?

Probably too late to get on Cabenuva, and leave on time... but, if you waited to leave then you can be every 4-6 months.

The risk is high, whether you split your dose, or skip dosing (every other day). You may ruin Biktarvy for yourself.

This is one of those times where "putting your health first" is tested.

I have been on methadone since 1990. I totally understand the concept of not being able to skip your medication. The consequences make any other option unbearable.

Put yourself and your health first. Two months in Mexico beats not going at all.

Good Luck, buddy. 🍀

posted January 19 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

Hi Pepe3
I am not a Dr. But when I went away for a prolong time I took my Biktarvi, and other antivirals every other day. After I came home I went and had my labs done and everything was great. No increase in viral load or drops in my hiv numbers. That was my experience. Hope you get it figured out.

posted January 19
A myHIVteam Member

Hey good news for me! I convinced them to give me not only a 2 month supply but a 3 month supply as they understood the severity of my circumstance! So no half pills for me afterall!
@A myHIVteam Member good to see you again, kind sir ..

posted January 23
A myHIVteam Member

From my experience, I participated in the cocktail holiday study to see if HIV can re emerge for those who are nondetectable. For me it was more or less a month until the study informed me to get back on my HAART medications as I was showing that my viral load was going up. I have been pretty faithful in taking my medications with the longest I have stopped taking was a week, when I went on vacation and forgot to bring my pills! I have been relatively steady with my current medications and have been on HAART medications since the mid 90's.

posted January 22
A myHIVteam Member

No to become undetectable you must take what was prescribed to you.I tried to skip a day to further my medication because medications but it was not a good decision as I needed to switch.Please check with your doctor as I am sure they will say the same

posted January 22

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