Question
Can I take berberine while taking Biktarvy? (Updated answer)
2 March 2026. Related: All topics, Drug interactions.
Hi there
Can I take berberine while taking biktarvy. I’m pretty diabetic and wanted to start taking berberine.
Answer
Note: This answer was updated on 2 March (from 6 February) based on new information published but the Liverpool Drug Interaction website.
“Clinically significant drug interactions are not expected with any of the meds in Biktarvy. However, some studies and case reports suggest it may prolong the QT interval with some other HIV meds. Increasing the QT interval s a risk for heart-related problems. We have taken a cautious approach and put HIV drugs with QT effects (atazanavir, lopinavir, rilpivirine and fostemsavir) as amber caution for potential drug interaction.
________________
Hi there
Unfortunately I don’t have an easy answer to your question.
This is because I couldn’t find berberine listed on the Liverpool University Drug Interaction website:
hiv-druginteractions.org/checker
A Google search said that berberine is processed by your body using liver enzymes (including CYP 3A4) that is also used by some of the drugs in Biktarvy – notably bictegravir.
Based on this limited information, please DO NOT use berberine until a pharmacist looks at whether this ls likely to be a significant interaction.
I will update this page if I learn more after contacting the Liverpool group.
Comment