Question
I'm HIV positive and on Bactrim. Can I continue take Centrum multivitamins?
2 March 2012. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Newly diagnosed, Supplements and herbs.
I am newly diagnosed with HIV. I am taking Truvada (tenofovir + FTC), Stocrin (efavirenz) and Bactrim for lung infection. Can I continue take multivitamins?
Answer
I am very sorry to hear about your new diagnosis and the lung infection.
You can take multivitamins with your current medication. There is no drug interaction between the multi vitamins and your HIV medication, including Bactrim. However, if you want to take other supplements or herbs, please talk to your doctor about it first as they have the potential to interact with HIV treatment.
Vitamins, minerals, and other supplements have no direct activity against HIV and are not a replacement for antiretroviral therapy.
Please look at this link for more information on vitamins and supplements.
When someone who is newly diagnosed, there are a few factors that you need to know about starting treatment. This is a link for more information about starting your treatment.
Can I ask whether you currently have any support? Getting support from your local support group or a counsellor can help you to come to terms living with HIV. In addition, you will be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation.
Hi Jane, as with most supplements it is advised to take them at the opposite end of the day to your HIV treatment.
This is to avoid any risk of interaction in which in the supplements can sometimes reduce how well the HIV treatment is absorbed.
As a minimum, Centrum should be taken 6 hours after your HIV treatment e.g., 16:00.
Hello am jane am hiv I always take my drug in the morning at 10.what time can I take centrum
Hi Nel, as long as you are following a balanced diet there is no specific multivitamin recommended for people living with HIV.
For information about a balanced diet please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
Hi, what is the best multivitamins I can take, I am two years hiv patient.
Hi John, what ARVs are you taking? As you are taking them morning and night it would be best to take your multivitamins in the middle of the day.
They should be taken at least 2 hours after your morning dose and 6 hours before your evening dose.
I’m taking my arvs morning and night (twice a day), what is the best time to take multi vitamins?
Hi Ellen, while taking ARVs it is best to take vitamins/supplements at the opposite end of the day. There is some risk of interaction depending on what the multivitamin contains e.g., zinc or calcium. These minerals can prevent how much ART is absorbed. Taking them at opposite ends of the day prevents this interaction. For example, if you take your ART in the morning be sure to take your supplements before bed and this will prevent any interaction.
Hi I’m taking ARVs so I take vitamin C zinc or Vitamin B or Multivitamin
Hi Ahmed, you can but as with most supplements, it is advised you take them on the opposite end of the day to your HIV treatment. If you take your ARVs in the morning, take your supplements in the evening. This is the best way to avoid any potential interaction.
Am recently postive HIV and started Truvada and Tivicay. Can I take Centrum with lutein multi vitamins?