Drug Interactions

Taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications, recreational drugs, oral contraceptives, homeopathic treatments, or herbal supplements in combination with your antiretroviral medications can have serious health consequences and may make your HIV medications less less effective.

Be honest and open with your doctor about all of the drugs, treatments and remedies you are taking or plan to take. Try to find out about the common interactions and side effects of the medications you take so that you can help your doctor manage your care.

You can find reports on recent news and hot topics in HIV pharmacology, discover comprehensive information and advice on drug interactions, by visiting the HIV Drug Interaction website.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Over-the-Counter Drug Interactions

Homeopathic Treatments/Herbal Supplement

Recreational Drug Interactions

Oral Contraception Interaction

Drug-Drug Interactions

Some HIV medications should not be combined with other prescription medications. Many different types of prescription drugs, including antifungal, heartburn, and antibiotic medications can interfere with some antiretroviral medications.

Be sure to discuss all medications you are taking with each doctor you visit, even if you are seeking treatment for a condition not directly linked to your HIV status. Refer to the patient information leaflets and label, as well as to discussions with your care-giver(s).

Over-the-Counter Drug Interactions

If you take antiretroviral (ARV) medications, consider the impact that every medication and remedy you take has on your body, even if they are available without a doctor's prescription. For instance, most people think of antacids or other over-the-counter medications for the relief of stomach problems as relatively harmless, but they can decrease the effectiveness of some ARV medications.

Talk with your doctor about all medications and remedies you are taking, or might take, even if they are available without a prescription.

Homeopathic Treatments/Herbal Supplement Interactions

Taking homeopathic treatments or herbal supplements with some HIV medications can cause severe interactions. For example, St. John's Wort, a popular herbal remedy for depression, can interfere with some antiretroviral (ARV) medications.

Tell your doctor about each treatment and supplement you take, including homeopathic, herbal or alternative remedies. Just because it is natural doesn't automatically mean it is safe or effective. Always check with your doctor first: they should be able to tell you which homeopathic and herbal products are safe for you to take.

Recreational Drug Interactions

The combination of recreational drugs and antiretroviral (ARV) medications can be deadly. For example, certain ARV medications can increase levels of the street drug ecstasy in a user's blood by up to 10 times.

Do not be afraid to tell your doctor about any and all drugs you take in combination with your ARV medications, even if they are illegal. Your doctor wants to ensure you are getting the best treatment possible and are not putting yourself at risk. If necessary, your doctor can help you get treatment for substance abuse.

For more information on interactions with illegal and recreational drugs, please click here.

Oral Contraception Interaction

If you are a woman taking an oral contraceptive in combination with antiretroviral (ARV) medication, be careful about possible interactions between the drugs. Oral contraceptives may decrease the efficacy of certain ARV medications. In turn, some classes of ARV medications may reduce the contraceptive effect of certain birth control pills, increasing your risk of an unplanned pregnancy.

Talk with your doctor about birth control methods that best fit your treatment regimen and lifestyle. You should also use a barrier method, such as a condom, to reduce the risk of passing HIV on to another person.

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