Question
How do I take supplements without them interacting with my ARVs?
2 August 2023. Related: All topics, Drug interactions.
Hi I-base, I am a 42 years old man, recently found out that I am HIV positive. I have been given ARVs(dolutegravir,lamivudine and tenifovir),which I have to consume 1 tablet a day, every day at 1pm…but I want to add some supplements like zinc, magnesium, vitamin D3, K2, B-complex and vitamin C. Can you please advise me on time frame to take these supplements so that it does not interact with the ARV?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
You have been given a combination of ARVs called TLD. As TLD contains dolutegravir there is some risk of interaction between the supplements you have mentioned.
Zinc and magnesium are able to interact with dolutegravir. When taken together these supplements can prevent how much dolutegravir is absorbed by the body.
To avoid this you need to take your supplements either 2 hours before or 6 hours after dolutegravir. In your case this mean taking them at either 11am (or earlier) or 7pm (or later). Leaving this amount of time means your medications will not interact.
Josh.
Hello Nondumiso and thanks for getting in touch.
Weight gain has been an issue of discussion in recent years for many reasons including whether this is a side effect.
It is also related to ageing, diet, exercise, family history, hormone changes, lifestyle, etc.
What has your doctor said about this?
In general the first step is to make sure your doctor knows about your concerns and that your weight and waist are measured and recorded in your medical notes.
The doctor should then look for possible causes and will talk about diet and exercise etc.
Based on your age and depending on your symptoms this might be related to menopause and perimenopause which is linked to weight gain.
Additionally, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help you with weight gain and other symptoms if that is the case.
I can’t find any information about Oganix online as I am based in the UK and I don’t think it is available here.
You should definitely space anything containing metals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, etc. from your ARVs by 6 hours.
You can always check for interactions here: https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/checker
In general, here in HIV I-base, we don’t recommend supplements as they are not always regulated and some times can cause more harm than benefit.
Discuss this with your doctor for advice on what you should take, if anything.
These links have more information on diet, exercise and well-being:
https://i-base.info/htb/40717
https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health
im 49 HIV positive im taking my arvs (dolutegravir,lamivudine,tenofovir). Now I’ve gained a lot of weight. I’m starting to use Oganix supplement appetite suppressant and fat block, is it good for me?