Question
Will grapefruit in cosmetics interact with my HIV meds?
8 August 2011. Related: All topics, Drug interactions.
I am taking Truvada, atazanavir and ritonavir. I understand that I am not allowed grapefruit because of the drug interactions. However, I have just discovered that some of my cosmetics have grapefruit (seed) extract, albeit in small amounts as far as I can understand although I cannot say with certainty. I use these cosmetics every day (cleanser and toner and face cream)
Is there any danger of this grapefruit extract having any effect on my drugs above and how effective they are? Should I be super careful that none of my cosmetics have any of this extract? I am undetectable now for 3 months and CD4 is slowly rebounding from low levels (less than 100).
And what about grape seed extract? Is that potentially interactive too?
Thanks v much.
Answer
Hi
There is no problem with cosmetics interacting with HIV drugs.
When there are concerns with interactions it is usually because the interacting drug either chances the acid balance in the stomach, or alters the levels of enzymes in the liver that are used to clear the HIV or interacting drug from the body.
If these enzymes are increased the drugs are cleared more quickly and the risk is lower levels than you need. If the enzymes are reduced then the drugs are cleared more slowly so the risk from side effects increases.
Using cosmetics on your skin will not directly these mechanisms or it would be a such tiny levels as to be insignificant.
Also, there is no interaction with grapefruit juice and the meds you are taking. I think you may have heard this in reference to an older protease inhibitor called saquinavir, before this was used with ritonavir boosting.
So it is fine to also eat grapefruit and drink grapefruit juice without worrying about your HIV.
I also have not heard of an interaction with grape seed extract.
Good luck with your treatment – a slow and stead CD4 increase is a good thing.
Hi Alannah, grapefruit that is in creams and lotions does not interact with oral HIV medicines or other oral drugs.
I am taking lithium can I use grapefruit lotions and purfumes safely
Great, your CD4 count and viral load are both excellent.
Thank you, CD4 count is 1000 and viral load is 50
Hi Victoria, eating grapefruit will not effect your CD4 count. You are still okay to enjoy grapefruit as part of a balanced diet.
Will grapefruit drop your cd4 if you have hive if you eat grapefruit
Hi Vusi,
Thanks for this comment. But it’s still a good idea to tell your doctor if you’re going to take any supplements or herbs with your meds.
What HIV meds are you taking? And if you have access to your CD4 count and viral load, please let us know.
Thaks for clerifing because I’m also taking my HIV treatment with grapefruit, as I read about dangerous of eating grapefruit with other medicine drugs may lead to danger so problem solve.