Won’t ARVs affect me during Ramadhan?

Sep 16, 2007

SINCE you take your ARVs at night, I believe you can take part in the fast if you are not feeling sick, especially since you are on a single tablet regimen. Atripla is a fixed dose combination with three drugs in it and is convenient for those who wish to fast. <br>

Dear doctor,
I have just been started on ARVs called Atripla which I take only once at night and so far so good. However, as a Muslim, I am required to fast during the holy month of Ramadhan. Won’t the drugs do me harm if I take them at night and yet do not eat and drink during the day, as is our practice when we fast? Please advise.
Jamiru

Dear Jamiru,
SINCE you take your ARVs at night, I believe you can take part in the fast if you are not feeling sick, especially since you are on a single tablet regimen. Atripla is a fixed dose combination with three drugs in it and is convenient for those who wish to fast.

However, when I consulted an Imam regarding this issue, I was told that the Koran advises those who are sick and on treatment or those on long journeys, not to fast since this may be detrimental to their health.

There are certainly other Muslims who may not be on a convenient regimen like yours. These people need more guidance in regard to fasting. Generally, if you are not feeling well and know that you cannot stick to taking your drugs while fasting, you may have to skip the fast.

Poor adherence during the one month of fasting will certainly lead to drug resistance and eventual drug failure.
Even if you feel well and would like to fast while continuing to take your drugs, it is prudent to discuss the issue with your doctor.

Guidance regarding drugs should be given based on an individual. If you are taking drugs twice a day, you need to make sure that the time in between is 12 consistent hours. Also try to drink liberally at night to avoid fluid imbalance.

Lastly, it may be necessary to disclose your HIV status to your Imam or Sheikh when you decide not to fast and explain that you are on life-long treatment, so that you are not misunderstood.

Send your question on HIV to Health Editor,
The New Vision. P. O. Box 9815, Kampala
OR health&beauty@newvision.co.ug

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});