Question
How do weight loss tablets interact with ARVs?
9 February 2010. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Supplements and herbs.
Hi there again.
I wonder if you could give me some advice on side-effects.
I have recently purchased ALLI slimming tablets as I am really struggling to lose weight. I swim 30-50 lengths 3 times a week and eat fairly healthy with the odd curry every now and then and drink only on a Saturday, which I consider normal.
I am 36 years old, 5ft 7 inches tall, weigh 12 stone and have a BMI of 26.1, so I
Answer
Thank you for your question.
I understand how frustrating it can feel to eat healthily and exercise without loosing weight. However, whilst Alli has been shown to be effective at small weight loss in conjunction with a balanced diet, it may not be right for everyone.
Alli is from the trade name for a drug called orlistat. It works by preventing the fats in your diet from being absorbed, and they are passed though you unabsorbed (hence side effects of wind (flatulence), diarrhoea and messy underwear.
Hi Sphiwe,
I haven’t heard of JC slim pills before so I’m not sure what they contain. You should talk to your doctor before you start taking these to make sure they are safe to take with your ARVs. Your doctor may also be able to look at why you are gaining weight and help find a way for you to lose weight.
Hi m 28yr old and I’m taking tyricten (tenofovir + FTC) and efavirenz. But I’m gaining lots of weight and I want to loose weight. I have been eating healthy and going to the gym but it’s not helping. So I want to use weight loss pills. Is it right to take them while you are on ARV’s? The pills that I want to use are called JC slim.
Hi Sunshine,
Did your body shape change while you were on lamzid, or has this happened since you changed to Atripla? This sounds like lipoatrophy, which can be caused by lamzid. Please see our side effects guide for information about lipoatrophy.
Hi i am taking Atripla but what i dont like is my shape thin legs and arms no butt so i want to what can i do bring my shape back plz help
Hi Cece, It’s important to speak to your doctor before taking any weight loss pills. These are usually only recommended to people who are clinically overweight or obese. For information about a healthy diet and exercise please see our quality of life guide.
I am using Odimune and want to loose weight. May you please advice which are the safest weight loss pill I can take. A friend of mine suggested duromine but I am not sure how safe they are when one is on ARVs. Please advice.
Hi Angel,
There are no known interactions between Atripla and Xenical so it should be safe to use these together. It’s important to make sure your doctor knows that you are taking these medications though.
Im taking atripla and im over weight,just want to know if xenical is save to use
Hello Thandeka,
Unfortunately we are not nutritional experts and I can not give you advice about weight loss. If you are planning to lose weight you should speak to your doctor who should be able to provide you information about how this can be done in a safe and healthy way.
I wish you the best of luck!
i am on ARV treatment i take ATRIPLA only at night , but what I don’t like by myself I am overweight I’m 145KG and the way I look like I don’t like
Will you please let me know what kind of diet should i take?