Hi Dr. Bob, I would like to bother you with a quick question. I left my container of Atripla on my cable TV box for several hours by accident and I realized that the cable box, thefore the pill container was quite heated. My doctor said not to worry and it's not necessary to keep the pills from hot or cold but I have been reading on the internet that temperatures over 30 degrees are not allowed. I had just taken the pills from the pharmacy and I really have to go through them before I can get another bottle (have to wait 3 weeks for the next refill due to the insurance policy in my country). Do you think my worries are justified and the pills cannot be trusted? I'd love to get your opinion. Thank you.

Hello,

Whether "the pills can still be trusted" depends on what you mean by "the pill container was quite heated." The manufacturer recommends Atripla be stored at 25 degrees centigrade (77 degrees Fahrenheit) with "excursions" permitted to 15-30 degrees centigrade (59-86 degrees Fahrenheit). "Several hours" may well be considered an "excursion" if the pills were not heated beyond 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If you think the pills were compromised, bring them back to the pharmacy and/or contact your insurance carrier explaining what happened. Your HIV physician specialist may also be helpful in encouraging the insurance company and pharmacy to replace your Atripla supply, if indicated.

Good luck.

Dr. Bob