Question about meds pause

[WantingBB]

Hi

 

i have a question regarding pausing meds. Is it possible to pause for a while and start up again? Are there any drawbacks for this? Could it happen that the meds wont work again?

[Holeforu]

I have been taking Truvada. My doctor said to keep taking meds for seven days after the last time you had unprotected sex; then, it will be safe to pause. Starting up again will have barely no impact on the effectiveness as long as it is taken as prescribed. Ask your doctor about whatever works best for you! 

Edited February 9, 2023 by Holeforu

[EuroMusk76]

That really depends on whether you're asking about a neg person pausing their HIV Prep or a poz person interrupting their HIV ART, @WantingBB

If we're speaking about pausing your prep and restarting it that shouldn't render the medication ineffective in the future. Bear in mind though that until you start your Prep up again you won't be protected against HIV if you have bare sex.

If a poz person interrupts their ART there are several negatives. Among others the viral load will increase and the infection will progress. That might lead to life-threatening consequences. Additionally as the virus multiplies one has the risk of mutations leading to drug resistance. Therefore it's not recommended to take a planned break from their therapy.

If unplanned interruptions occur due to e.g. illness or severe toxicity to the medication these pauses should be kept as short as possible and/or alternative treatment be tried. Generally speaking it's inadvisable to interrupt your ART without close medical monitoring.

For an overview of the topic have a look at [think before following links] https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/hiv-treatment-interruptions