Question
I'm HIV positive and on Bactrim. Can I continue take Centrum multivitamins?
2 March 2012. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Newly diagnosed, Supplements and herbs.
I am newly diagnosed with HIV. I am taking Truvada (tenofovir + FTC), Stocrin (efavirenz) and Bactrim for lung infection. Can I continue take multivitamins?
Answer
I am very sorry to hear about your new diagnosis and the lung infection.
You can take multivitamins with your current medication. There is no drug interaction between the multi vitamins and your HIV medication, including Bactrim. However, if you want to take other supplements or herbs, please talk to your doctor about it first as they have the potential to interact with HIV treatment.
Vitamins, minerals, and other supplements have no direct activity against HIV and are not a replacement for antiretroviral therapy.
Please look at this link for more information on vitamins and supplements.
When someone who is newly diagnosed, there are a few factors that you need to know about starting treatment. This is a link for more information about starting your treatment.
Can I ask whether you currently have any support? Getting support from your local support group or a counsellor can help you to come to terms living with HIV. In addition, you will be able to gain and share experiences with others who are in the similar situation as you, rather than having to deal with it in isolation.
Hi Paing,
Please see Q13 here: https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions
Now, I taking ART( Avonza ).
My CD4 account 314.
Can I take PowerfulHealth brand’s Vitamin C complex(USA FDA approved) ?
And then Now, I taking Sawpalmetto
Sawpalmetto interaction with ARV medicines?
Please
Hi Max,
In general we advice people not to use supplements as there can be interactions. Or if they do use supplements to take them well before they take their ARVs.
With calcium there’s a possibility of a reaction: https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/downloads/ajd45jg-4er5-67oy-ur43-009ert.pdf?interaction_ids%5B%5D=93806
I can’t find any info that specifically looks at testomaxrn nor centrum silver. This is the info about your meds: https://i-base.info/guides/13752
I am HIV positive since 1990 and currently on ARVs (Biktarvy). May I continue taking CENTRUM SILVER and other dietary supliments like OYSTER SHELL CALCIUM 500mg and TESTOMAXRYN muscle enhancement support along with my ARVs?
Hi Noma,
The best way to treat HIV is with your HIV meds. But vitamins can be taken too if your diet needs a supplement. But please talk to your doctor about what vitamins and herbs you want to take. That’s because some supplements can interact with some HIV meds.
What HIV meds are you taking? And do you have access to your viral load and CD4 count? Please let us know.
Is it good to take centrum at an early stage of HIV
Hi Tafari,
There isn’t a specific multivitamin that you should take. As to which one to take, this will depend on which ARVs you’re on.
Which multivitamin must I take when I’m on ARVs?
Hi Sinazo,
You being positive shouldn’t be a barrier to getting pregnant. Many people who are positive have children, and children who are negative. Please see Q6 here: http://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions and the following guide: http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
Hi Soya,
What HIV medication are you taking? Some of the vitamins and minerals in this powder could interact with some HIV meds.
So it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about what supplements you are taking. It’s important that the HIV meds don’t risk losing their strength.
Please see the HIV drug interactions website for full info.