Non HIV drugs

As we age, similar to HIV negative people, we are more likely to have other health complications. These often need medications.

Many of the drugs used to treat HIV also have the potential to interact with other commonly used drugs, including lipid lowering drugs (like statins and fibrates) and antacid drugs (like omeprazole).

This is an area where the pharmacist who gives you your HIV drugs will have most expertise.

Both your GP and your HIV doctor should know about all medications and supplements you use.

If you do not want to tell the pharmacy where you get drugs from your GP about your HIV medications, check for interactions with your HIV pharmacist, HIV doctor or nurse.

Your HIV pharmacist will be able to check whether drugs prescribed by your GP interact with your HIV meds.

Write a list of all your meds including the doses to make this easier.

The online drug interaction resource produced by Liverpool University lets you select the drugs in your HIV combination and then check for interactions with other medications. You can then print an individual summary chart.

This resource includes a wide range of potential interactions between HIV drugs and other medications including:

• Antibiotics.
• Antifungals.
• Antacids and gastrointestinal drugs.
• Blood pressure drugs.
• Cancer drugs.
• Diabetes drugs.
• Erectile dysfunction drugs.
• Heart disease drugs.
• Hepatitis C drugs.
• Herbs, supplements and vitamins.
• Hormone treatment and steroids.
• Immune modulating drugs.
• Lipid lowering drugs.
• Oral contraceptives.
• Painkillers.
• Recreational drugs.
• Smoking cessation drugs.
• Weight reduction drugs (eg Orlistat).

Further information

Liverpool University HIV drug interaction website

Last updated: 1 March 2023.