What happens if you forget to take the pill?

[Arb]

I’m away and realized that I don’t have my pills with me. When I come home, it’ll be few hours after I normally take my Tenofovir.

Is it a big deal if I take it with a few hours delay?
Also, what happens when someone forgets to take the medicament? Does the viral load immediately rise to the level from before the treatment?

[dotbammer]

Should be fine I went a week wher I missed a few doses. I went back on track afterwards and my lab results were fine months later

[TomPsu]

You should take account half life of a drug. A drug’s half-life is an estimation of the time it takes for the drug’s initial concentration in the body to decrease by half. For example, if a drug’s half-life is 4 hours and the initial concentration is 100 mg, it’s estimated that 50 mg will remain after 4 hours.

Unsure how accurate it is but according to Wikipedia Tenofovir has a half life
of approximately 17 hours.

Tenofovir disoproxil

Entecavir has half life of approximately 128-149 hrs

Entecavir

So, best to take it before it’s completely eliminated from your body to maintain protection from the medication.

[Bansah1]

Hi @Arb and @dotbammer,
These questions have been answered recently. Click the link below for that discussion.

Taking entcavir different time

I used to take My entcavir the same time everyday lately I couldn’t make it home on time sometimes 10 to 15 minutes late sometimes I get home one hour early as soon I get home I take my med by not taking my medication the same time make ALT test high? My recent ALT lab results gets high is any one has this experience?

Thanks, Bansah1

[john.tavis]

This should be OK. Tenofovir lasts in the blood and tissues for a moderately long time. Depending on how many hours “a few” is: If it is around 12 hours, you could either take a half dose as suggested, but if it is only 3-4 hours later, just take your normal dose. It will be fine.

John.