Question
Will these supplements be OK to take with my HIV treatment?
24 July 2009. Related: All topics, Supplements and herbs.
Will these supplements be OK to take with my HIV treatment: garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, cayenne, cardiosterol
Answer
Garlic is fine, as long as you are not on protease inhibitors (in particular saquinavir). Generally, however, it is good to avoid it if you use a PI, as it may reduce the drug concentration.
Ginger is fine. Especially, if you have problems with the stomach while on medicines.
Ginkgo biloba is fine too, but people with low platelets, as well as people prone to sudden bleeding or women with heavy menstruation, is better to avoid it. This is because it prevents platelet clumping.
Cayenne is generally fine, but should be avoided with ACE inhibitors, stomach acid reducers, aspirin, blood thinning medicines and theophylline.
Finally, I have not heard of any studies re: cardiosterol. If you decide to use it, then you should do that with caution and if you notice anything unusual, you should contact your doctor ASAP.
Hi Leo,
There is no likely interaction with your HIV meds and turmeric. Please see this website for HIV drug interactions and other meds. It also includes herbs and supplements such as turmeric.
Im taking ARV (efavirenz, Lamivudine, & Tenofovir) the kind of 3 in 1 ARV for the last 4 years. Lately I started mixing turmeric with my food. Does this effect the effectiveness of my meds?
Hi Abulele,
If you’re having issues with your memory and concentration this is something that you should discuss with your doctor. I wouldn’t take Gingko Biloba without consulting a doctor first.
I’ve been on ARV’s since 2008, am 19 years, not doing well at school have memory concentration, would like to take Gingko Biloba.
Hi Kenneth,
It’s good to know your HIV treatment is going well.
The HIV drug interactions website shows there’s no likely interaction with ARVs and turmeric. But please see this page from the guide to side effects and quality of life. It shows the classes of ARVs associated with fat accusation, including gynaecomastia. However, it also says switching from efavirenz can reduce gynaecomastia in men.
What ARVs are you taking? It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about switching ARVs.
Hi, i’ve been on ARVS for about four years now, everything is going well, my viral load is suppressed and my CD4 count is above 600, my problem is that lately I’ve noticed that I have enlarged breast (gynecomastia) and this is worrying me because I’m ashamed of the enlarged breasts, so i’ve read somewhere that turmeric helps to reduce the swelling of breasts, my question is does turmeric interact with ARVS?
Hi J,
I hope you don’t mind but I’ve reduced your comment slightly because I was worried about the number of supplements you’re trying out while starting treatment (ART).
It’s important to talk to your doctor about any supplements you may wish to take. Supplements, herbs and vitamins can sometimes interact with ARVs and make them less effective.
Please see all the information at HIV-druginteractions.org.
May I ask why you’re taking an usual combination of ARVs? What does your doctor say about this? Do you know your baseline viral load result?
Hello. I’m very grateful to find this site. The many interactions with hiv meds is a bit daunting
I would like to know if it’s ok to take curcumerin (concentrated form of turmeric) with my hiv meds which are prezcobic, tivicay, and edurant I am 3 months or so into treatment and viral load was 1620 and cd4 560 at 2 months new labs in a couple weeks.
Hi Ebony,
I’m sorry to hear this. What does your doctor say about it?
Please let us know what HIV meds you are taking. Do you have access to your latest viral load and CD4 count? Please let us know.
Tumeric is not going to treat your HIV. Only HIV meds (ARVS) can treat HIV.
I have never been undetectable since I have been put on treatment 17 years ago. I am now on second line drugs and still seem to be the same. Actually I am feeling so weak. Can tumeric help the situation?