Prepared by: Bratislav Prokić, August 2022
Review: Dr. Jovana Milić,
Metabolic clinic for HIV in Modena, Italy
What are HIV drug interactions?
When two or more different drugs react to each other, there is a weaker/stronger effect of one of the drugs. A weaker effect of the drug will not give the desired treatment effects, while a stronger effect may give unwanted or toxic effects. Some antiretroviral drugs can also interact with food, supplements or drugs.
It is important that your doctor knows what you are taking in addition to your HIV therapy.
How can HIV drug interactions with other drugs be checked?
The University of Liverpool has created an online search engine of antiretroviral drug interactions with other medicines and drugs. In the first table, it is necessary to enter the generic name of the HIV treatment taken (lamivudine, dolutegravir, darunavir, etc.), and in the second the generic name of the medication or drug in question. If the field is green, there should be no interaction; in other cases you should consult a doctor.
Check drug interactions online,or download the app for iPhone or Android
Are there HIV drug interactions with over-the-counter drugs?
Yes. Some HIV medications may interact with allergy medications, asthma inhalers or nasal sprays that contain steroids, digestive therapies, cholesterol medications or fats. That is why you need to tell your doctor about the medicines you are using. For example, potency drugs interact with drugs from the protease inhibitor (PI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) groups. klasa proteaznih inhibitora (PI) i nenukleozidnih intibitora reverzne transkriptaze (NNRTI).
Can vitamins and supplements interact with HIV medications?
Calcium, iron, ginkgo, garlic, milk thistle, licorice, St. John’s wort, valerian, vitamin C, zinc, and multivitamins can significantly reduce the levels of certain antiretroviral drugs. It is necessary to discuss it with the doctor. Interactions of supplements with certain antiretroviral drugs can be avoided with a longer time interval.
Which HIV medications have drug interactions?
Antiretroviral drugs that contain the booster cobicistat (Rezolsta, Symtuza) can keep drugs in the body longer and in higher concentrations, which can lead to serious side effects and overdoses, while efavirenz can increase cocaine levels and decrease ketamine levels. If you use drugs or plan to use them, tell your doctor openly. If you don’t want to stop using, you may be able to choose medications that will have fewer potential interactions.
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