Question

Is 6 hours long enough to avoid treatment and supplement interaction?

10 February 2023. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Living with HIV long-term, Supplements and herbs.

Hi there,

I’m currently taking Raltegravir (once daily) and Truvada but I’d like to start taking magnesium and potentially other supplements which contain metals like copper or zinc. I realise that this would likely reduce my levels of Raltegravir which obviously I want to avoid.

Can you please advise on whether separating by 6+ hours would be safe enough or do I need to switch my HIV meds? Are there any newer ARVs which don’t interact with things like magnesium but also medicinal herbs? There are lots of things I’d like to try as my quality of life is pretty poor right now due to other chronic conditions.

Many thanks in advance.

Tom

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi Tom, how are you doing?

Yes. 6 hours is long enough. What most people find easy enough is to take the supplements on the opposite end of the day e.g., if you take your treatment in the morning, have your supplements in the evening. This avoids any risk of interaction.

Have you considered asking about the injectables available? As the injectable would be absorbed in your body there would be no risk of any interactions to do with absorption. It is also offered every two months so you would not require a daily pill. More information about this can be found here.

Josh.