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 Rayray, I m sorry to hear that you have not had any counselling. Have you had any support from friends/family? how are you doing now?
Acriptega is a generic version of TLD. This medication is often given first as it is generally well tolerated by people – it has no effect on weight. How much have you lost?
How long have you been experiencing these other symptoms you have mentioned? and have you spoken to a doctor about them?
Hi, I was recently diagnosed with HIV no counseling whatsoever in a private hospital nogal, I’m still baffled by the news and went into serious depression. The doctor prescribed Acriptega and I’ve been taking that since. I don’t have appetite n have lost a lot of weight. I’ve been taking Procidyn as well but not every single day. I have this constant acid feeling in my chest,throat n nose. How can I start a fresh by going through the right process if there is one. I know I might not be making sense,it’s just that I can’t put into words what I’m feeling. Please help
Hi, do you happen to know the name of this new HIV medication?
In most cases taking multivitamins is safe to take with HIV medication and there is no interaction. However there are a few with certain medication combinations. If you are very unsure you can space the time between taking HIV medication and multivitamins. This would be taking multivitamins either 2 hours before or 6 hours after the HIV medication.
If you do not know the name of the HIV medication you can ask the doctor or pharmacist. They can then also offer their assistance in awareness of any interactions.
Hi, I’m HIV positive I take new tablet one tablet of HIV , PLS I want to know I’m write to take Activo vites multivitamin tablets
Hi Lerato, there are no interactions between ARVs and vitamin C. It is okay to take both.
Hi, I’m taking ARVs (FDC) can I take vitamin-C too?
Hi Jeanet,
If you’re still taking the activovite perhaps you should stop taking this. Also what ARVs are you taking?
Hi I’m hiv i take my treatment is 12 years now but last month I’m starting to drink activovite boost but since then I’m not feeling well every night I’m getting dizziness
Hi Zinzi.
What ARVs are you taking?
Hi I’m HIV positive I’m taking arvs tablets it’s two months now but they make my acid worse but I want to take alkaline powder it’s good or bad pls answer me