Antacids+Meds

[LeChuck1986]

So, here I am, off of work early, and enjoying a bowl of DELICIOUS homemade chilli for lunch.  I begin my meal, take my meds with a glass of water, and put everything away.  I'm still young, so I haven't had too much trouble with heartburn or GI issues, but I'm developing some pretty fantastic heartburn as a result of my lunch....and I'm hesitant to take practically ANY antacid.

My regimen (been on it since May of this year) consists of Reyataz, Truvada and Norvir, a vitamin D supplement and a multi-vitamin...I remember having heard from my doc that some antacids would cause unfavorable drug interactions with my meds, so I've more or less steered clear of them, but this heart burn is killing me!

I looked on aidsmeds to see if my regimen would have any kind of interaction with tums (that's what I've got on hand), but couldn't link up any of the active ingredients to drug interactions...

Any suggestions here?  I've read a number of different threads, (maybe I've been looking through the wrong ones), but haven't really found an answer to this question:  what antacids (or home remedies?) should/shouldn't I use to alleviate heartburn with this drug regimen?  Is it a timing issue?  Do I have to wait x amount of hours before/after taking Norvir, Truvada or Reyataz?

Thanks for all the help...these forums are positively genius.

[Assurbanipal]

Hi -- welcome to the forums.

Actually the spot where you posted is a subforum dedicated to annual reunions and doesn't get a lot of traffic -- perhaps one of the moderators can move it for you to a different spot.

Here's the info from the Reyataz page on drugs to avoid:
" The following medications should not be taken while you are being treated with Reyataz:
HIV protease inhibitors: Crixivan (indinavir)
Acid reflux/heartburn medications: Propulsid (cisapride)
Antibiotics: Rifadin (rifampin)
Cancer chemotherapeutics: Camptosar (irinotecan)
Antimigraine medications: Methergine, Methylergometrine (methylergonovine); Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine (ergotamine); Ergotrate, Methergine (ergonovine); or D.H.E. 45, Migranal (dihydroergotamine)
Antihistamines: Hismanal (astemizole) or Seldane (terfenadine)
Steroids: Flonase of Flovent (fluticasone)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins): Zocor (simvastatin) and Mevacor (lovastatin)
Antipsychotics: Orap (pimozide)
Sedatives: Versed (midazolam) and Halcion (triazolam)
Herbal medications: St. John's wort
 
If Reyataz is combined with low-dose Norvir, the following medications should also be avoided:
Antifungals: Vfend (voriconazole)
Heart medications: Cordarone (amiodarone), Tambocor (flecainide), Vascor (bepridil), Rythmol (propafenone), or Quinaglute/Quinidex (quinidine)
Enlarged prostate: Uroxatral (alfuzosin) "
http://www.aidsmeds.com/archive/Reyataz_1563.shtml

Don't think Truvada has any big problems with antacids, but in general you might want to check all of your drugs using the med checker on this site: http://www.aidsmeds.com/cmm/

Hope you feel better soon
A

Edit (link to reyataz page)

[leatherman]

here's a link with some info about reyetaz (which I also take) and antacids
http://aids.about.com/od/hivmedicationfactsheets/a/reyatazppi.htm

my doctor explained that the antacids lower the amount of reyetaz that gets into your system. By frequently using antacids, you increase the chance of developing resistance. He said that as long as I only used antacids as rarely as possible and within 2 hrs after taking reyetaz, it would be okay.

Personally, I resort to antacids at least once a week and haven't had any issues; but your mileage may vary.

hope that info helps!

[Miss Philicia]

Not that I'm on Reyataz, but when it lists "Acid reflux/heartburn medications: Propulsid (cisapride)" does it mean that specific one only, and then since it's a prescription does that mean a weaker OTC thing like Tums is OK?

[leatherman]

From that link I posted (which is the same info my doc gave me)

The DO-NOT-TAKE list

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). This medication class includes drugs such as Propulsid, Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix.

If you are taking Reyataz you should not be taking the following PPIs:
•Propulsid  •Aciphex  •Nexium
•Prevacid  •Prilosec  •Protonix
This includes both prescription doses as well as those doses you can buy over the counter (e.g., Prilosec OTC).

Things you can take

•H2-receptor antagonists – like PPIs, these medications prevent stomach acid secretion but in a different manner. This class includes medications such as Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid. While they also decrease levels of Reyataz if taken together, studies have found that taking them twelve hours apart will not result in a significant decrease in Reyataz levels.

•Antacids – these over the counter medications (e.g., Maalox, Mylanta, Tums) must be taken at least two hours apart from Reyataz.

http://aids.about.com/od/hivmedicationfactsheets/a/reyatazppi.htm

[LeChuck1986]

Thanks for your responses, all.  Sorry about the wrong section!  Rookie mistake.