Want to change time of taking tablets

[mark86]

Hi all,
girlfriend is here from South Africa and is on Aspen Lamzid (Zidovudine and Lamivudine) and Stocrin (efavirenz). She takes 1 tablet at 5am and 1 of each at 5pm. The 5pm one basically wipes her out for the evening with drowsiness and fogginess (has been on Meds for 1 month) so wants to change timings to say 9am and 9pm.

What is the best way to do this ? Is it simply a case of a quickl change to the new times and carry on from there ?

Thanks,
Mark86

[mjmel]

She should consult her physician for any change in dosage or timing of dosage.............but having said that, I don't see a problem with a quick one-time adjustment of 4 hrs.   

I have been delayed on dosaging several times. For instance, if I am 4 hrs. late in taking my evening dosage then the next day I adjust the morning dosage to be 2 hrs later; with 12 hrs to my evening dosage. The next morning I bring it back up to the normal 6 am, in my case. My doc has given me his nod of approval on this method.
I have noted with the 2x per day/meds cycle that it is the 12 hrs. intervals that is of importance to 'assault' the viral component. A steady measure of the meds keeps the HIV virus 'confused'. In my 7 yrs. of taking meds, I have not been too upset out about missing dosage but just slowly adjusted the timetable back to my convenience..............but I am on different meds than your girlfriend.
It is in cases of noncompliance that the virus gets a heads-up on the meds or mutates. Specifically, if you stop taking meds once you've started on
medication(s) .
xxx,
Mike

(grammar adjustment)

[newt]

Just change

As a one-off the timing change won't make any difference.

The efavirenz can be taken separately if you wish.  The recommended rule of thumb is before bed avoiding fatty food (cos this increases how much drug is taken into the body, therefore side effects).  As long as your girlfriend takes it 1 x day it will be okay - efavirenz lasts in the body a very long time at an effective concentration. Also, the fogginess usually wears off/get less after a few weeks.

Hope this helps.

- matt