What happens if I do not take the ARVs on time?
ADHERENCE to ARVs refers to taking your drugs in the right amounts and at the right times. ARVs work by blocking enzymes or catalyst chemicals that HIV uses to transform its genetic material, RNA, into human genetic material known as DNA. In this way, the
Face HIV with Dr. Watiti
Dear Doctor,
I have been on ARVs for the last five years and my health has greatly improved. However, I have a challenge because I find it difficult to take my drugs at the right time. Sometimes I am late by thirty minutes or even a full hour. Is there danger in this?
Justus
Dear Justus,
ADHERENCE to ARVs refers to taking your drugs in the right amounts and at the right times. ARVs work by blocking enzymes or catalyst chemicals that HIV uses to transform its genetic material, RNA, into human genetic material known as DNA. In this way, the virus uses body cells to make copies of itself.
As this process continues, the viral load increases as the cells, the cells of the immune system (CD4 cells) decrease. When the CD4 count falls to 250 cells/ml and below, a person starts to suffer from other diseases.
It is important for you to the prescription to ensure a steady concentration of ARVs so as not to allow HIV a window of opportunity to make copies of itself.
If you keep giving HIV moments when there is not enough drug (ARVs) in your body it will develop resistance through a process known as mutation so that even when in future you take correct amounts of the drug, it will not be effective and you will become sick again. This is known as drug failure.
Write to health@newvision.co.ug
Dear Doctor,
I have been on ARVs for the last five years and my health has greatly improved. However, I have a challenge because I find it difficult to take my drugs at the right time. Sometimes I am late by thirty minutes or even a full hour. Is there danger in this?
Justus
Dear Justus,
ADHERENCE to ARVs refers to taking your drugs in the right amounts and at the right times. ARVs work by blocking enzymes or catalyst chemicals that HIV uses to transform its genetic material, RNA, into human genetic material known as DNA. In this way, the virus uses body cells to make copies of itself.
As this process continues, the viral load increases as the cells, the cells of the immune system (CD4 cells) decrease. When the CD4 count falls to 250 cells/ml and below, a person starts to suffer from other diseases.
It is important for you to the prescription to ensure a steady concentration of ARVs so as not to allow HIV a window of opportunity to make copies of itself.
If you keep giving HIV moments when there is not enough drug (ARVs) in your body it will develop resistance through a process known as mutation so that even when in future you take correct amounts of the drug, it will not be effective and you will become sick again. This is known as drug failure.
Write to health@newvision.co.ug