Question
Can I use acid-reducing agents with my ARV medication?
23 November 2021. Related: All topics, Drug interactions.
Hi, I am currently having an issue with acid reflux and I have tried so many medications but they don’t seem to help. I am currently on ARVs (Abcavir, Lamivudine, Rilpivirine) and want to know if it is safe to take an alkaline powder such as A.Vogel? Please advise because I have been told that it works wonders.
Answer
Hi, how are you? Sorry to hear about your acid reflux.
How long has your reflux been going on? Talking to your doctor and asking about any interactions will be able to help. You have mentioned you are on Edurant, a brand name of Rilpivirine. This medication requires acidity in your stomach to properly work.
In the UK it is recommended that antacids (A.Vogel) be taken at a different time toRilpivirine. Rilpivirine should be taken 4 hours before or 2 hours after the antacid. There areno known interactions with Hteruam (Abcavir and Lamivudine).
If you have any more questions please ask,
Josh.
Hi John, this is unlikely to cause a problem. It is better to take Biktarvy at least 6 hours after instead of 4. Sooner than this there is still some risk of the antacid preventing all of the ARV being absorbed.
As you have only done this a couple of times, this interaction is unlikely to cause any problems with treatment. This would be more of an issue if continued with this treatment combination for months.
Hi – I’m taking Biktarvy and recently have had a bit of reflux (not sure what’s caused it). I’m a little worried as I’ve taken QuickEze antacid a couple of times. I knew you couldn’t take them at the same time, so I have taken my ARV about 4 hours after. Do you think this will cause any harm to my hiv treatment?