Question
Do I really need to take my medications with/without food?
1 July 2008. Related: Adherence, All topics, Drug interactions, Newly diagnosed, Resistance.
I’ve just recently been told I’m HIV-positive and I’ve had to start meds sooner than I expected.
Some of the meds I’m on have to be taken with or after food. What is the main reason for this as sometimes I really don’t want to eat. Thanks M.
Answer
Unfortunately, food influences the way that some drugs are processed, and the levels of some medications in your blood.
Some drugs need food, or certain types of food, to be absorbed properly. Other need to be taken on an empty stomach. If you don’t follow this guidance and get low drug levels then meds will not work as well and you could develop resistance. If the interaction goes the other way and increases drug levels, you can get more side effects.
Further information on this can be found here.
Following the recommendations of the doctor about your diet is really important. There are lots of HIV drugs that don’t have diet restrictions though and you can ask to change to one of these if this is a problem. Some people don’t like to have to eat at certain times and should choose meds that fit their life choices.
If you want to discuss how to deal with the situation, please call us at: 0808 800 6013
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