Saturday, March 23, 2013

Forgetting ARV's?


I have received a lot of emails and text messages from PLHIV's, asking for advices whenever they have missed their doses of ARV's or took another pill instead during a scheduled intake. We all know the importance of ARV adherence to HIV treatment and our doctors keep on reminding us to follow strictly the prescribed timing of all our medicines.

Of course once in a while, some PLHIV's tend to forget or switch medicines because of their busy schedules or for any other reason. Because of this, I would like to give out some tips on how not to forget our ARV's:

 1. Use Pill Boxes:
    a. If you are taking different pills at different time schedules, then purchase separate pill boxes and label them accordingly.
    b. If you are taking pills all at the same time, you can have a one month-pill box.
    c. If you are putting your pills in the pill box, make sure to put a cotton ball to prevent moisture from getting in and store it in a dark, dry place.
    d. Whenever you are traveling, always put in your pocket a small pill box that contains your pills for the day.
    e. When you're on vacation/travelling, make sure that you have a pill box in all your luggages, in case you lose one luggage.
    f. Make sure to have ample supply of ARV's in your house, in your car or in your bag.
    g. Get your refill 2 weeks before they run out. 

 2. Use of Alarm Clocks and Timer
    a. You can use your cell phone or desk alarm clock to remind you of your scheduled intake.
    b. Set the alarm 10 minutes in advance so that it gives you time to run and get your ARV's and water.
    
3. Better Advance than Late Policy!
   a. If you took another pill instead of the scheduled pill, maybe because they have the same size, shape or color (e.g., taking tenofovir in the morning instead of nevirapine), follow this policy: Better to advance taking the pill instead of being late! 
   b. So as not to be confused, if you took for instance tenofovir in the morning (which was supposed to be taken in the evening), you can take it again in the evening (during it's scheduled intake) so as bring back the old schedule.
   c. Will this cause an overdose though? One day won't hurt you. Just AVOID doing it again and again! It is better take the pills in advance than be late!
   
4. If you are late in taking a pill, as soon as you remember it, take it ASAP. A few hours won't hurt however, DON'T do it again. Like what Dr. Ditangco had once said, we won't know the effect of this to treatment in the long run. 

 5. Bear in mind that the ARV's are our new lifeline. Treat them with respect and understand how they really work!
"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-



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