Question
Can I take Ginseng with my ARVs to overcome my fatigue?
27 April 2011. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Side effects, Supplements and herbs.
Can taking Ginseng cause problems when taking ARV’s? I am taking Truvada, darunavir and ritonavir and am struggling with fatigue so was thinking of taking Ginseng.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry to hear about your fatigue.
Fatigue can be a side effect of all HIV treatments though generally most people find it is something that gets easier after a few weeks. Because fatigue can also be a symptom of other health complication please talk to your doctor about this.
Your doctor needs to decide whether this is a side effects (in which case switching treatment may be an option) or a symptoms of something else.
See information about fatigue from the i-Base side effects guide.
It is always a good idea to speak to your doctor about any herbal treatments you are taking.
However, ginseng does not appear to interact with the liver enzymes that metabolise your HIV meds.
See this study on ginseng from 1999.
Hi Lynett,
Please see Q13 here: https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
I am taking ARVS just want to know if l can use rooibos tea ginseng to diet..its not gonna disturb my treatment??