Question
Will herbal remedies interact with my ARVs?
25 October 2016. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Supplements and herbs.
I am positive and am currently taking anti-retrovirals: truvada and neviraprine and also aciclovir for herpes management.
I am interested in taking a course of homeopathic remedies which are classed as narayani remedies. The first remedy is a kidney & liver cleanser. This contains: Benzoic acid, bereris, cantharis, erbium, ocinum canum, cardus mar, chelidonium, china, lycopodium, mercurius, phosphorus and parathyroid.
The Second remedy is silica terra, which is flint.
The main reason for this was due to recurrent chest infections, leading to steroid treatment, which never really seemed to clear up the problem. I am asthmatic and have experienced it in chronic form as a child and had frequent attacks. I find that stress has been a large factor in how quickly/ slowly I recover from a cold or chest infection and if highly stressed and have found my energy levels quickly depleted from it.
Apparently all energies of the stated substances are very safe, however, I wanted to check if there would be any conflict with my medication and wanted to keep my status as confidential.
I hope you can help with my query and matter of confidentiality.
Many thanks.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Herbal supplements and products can have interactions with ARVs. Therefore, please ask your pharmacy or HIV doctor first before you take them.
Hi Bongi, as with most supplements/boosters it is recommneded to take them at the opposite end of the day to your ART.
This is to avoid any risk of interaction. Some supplements contain minerals inc. zinc, magnesium and/or calcium which can decrease how much ART is absorbed in the body.
Taking them at opposite ends of the day is a long enough time to prevent any risk of interaction between the two.
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HI Virgina, congratulations on your pregnancy. Are you on treatment? and do you know your viral load/CD4 count? ART is safe to use while pregnant and will keep both you and baby healthy.
What herb do you want to take? and why do you want to take it?
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Hi Ndubuisi, I am sorry to hear that your current treatment is not working. How long have you been taking the antibiotics for?
It would be advised to complete the full course of antibiotics and discuss treatment options with your doctor before switching to herbs. Do you think your infection is getting worse/noticing more symptoms?
If you do decide to take these herbs there will be no interaction between them and your ARVs. It would be safe to take them together.
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