HIV meds (Norvir) and Cialis or Viagra interaction

[cflas]

I don't know why I'm embarrassed to bring this question here but I recently was provided with samples of Cialis and Viagra which I have used with some success.  My question is that I read today on the drug interaction sheet that the is an interaction for persons taking Norvir as part of their medication regimen (nothing mentioned about Reyataz and Truvada, which I also take).  So, the question is, "what's the interaction?".  I've been HIV+ for 12 yrs and the sexual side of our marriage has suffered over the last couple of years.  Any thoughts?  (Hey, I really like the new webpage set-up!).  Thanks for any help,
Chris

[Blixer]

Chris, if you do the "Check your Meds" on this site you can put in your HIV meds and the viagra and cialis and read about the interactions.  There are several potential interactions with the meds you listed.  Hope this helps.

[whizzer]

Norvir shuts down a metabolic pathway in the liver that breaks down certain medications.  That's how it boosts the level of Reyataz in your bloodstream - it makes it hang around longer so you don't have to take multiple doses of Reyataz (and most other PIs) throughout the day.  This is also the pathway that metabolizes Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and certain other meds, so they hang around in greater concentration in your bloodstream for longer than they would otherwise.  I have read that it is best to take half as much of the Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis than is recommended.  It willl have the same effect, and you won't have blood levels that are too high, which can cause problems with low blood pressure and vision, among other things.

-Whizzer

[pozniceguy]

I have the Cialis..been on Crixivan ( one of the  meds on list ) for 10 yrs......read the reactions and discussed with the DR...He said small dose is OK..  10 or 20 mg dose...but larger dosage may have unwanted side effects....I hope it works as well for you   as it did for me.......don't go crazy and follow mfrs recommendation of one a day....too much..one or two a week should be it...

[gerry]

From the DHHS Guidelines:

Norvir

+ Viagra = Use cautiously. Start with reduced dose of 25 mg every 48 hours and monitor for adverse effects.

+ Cialis = Start with a 5 mg dose, and do not exceed a single dose of 10 mg every 72 hours.

+ Levitra = Start with a 2.5 mg dose and do not exceed a single 2.5 mg dose in 72 hours.

No need to be embarrassed, really.  Have fun!

[kcmetroman]

I took a Viagra several months ago and thought I was going to explode.  I got dizzy and thought I was going to fall over. I am on the Kaletra/Combivir combo.  I guess moderate doses are the key

[jkinatl2]

It should go without saying - no poppers while on Viagra/Cialis.

[OakMax1]

Hello,

Question is viagra and cialis some type of speed.   It always does something to me afterward such as the weight loss, dizzy, wont be sexual for a while. I notice I always drop a few pounds and my face get slimmer on the side.  Took cialis this weekend and dropped 5lbs.... big guy here 6'2", 210-12, now down to 205lbs. I am on  sustiva and truvada and Wendnesday on Atripla, could the interaction be causing this?

Tell me I am not tripping out... it the only thing I can think of....

oakm1

[Jeffreyj]

I'd have to agree with whizzer here: Throughout the years, regardless of what drugs I've been on, my Dr has consistently told me to use half of the recommended doses. Which is nice, cause it lasts twice as long!

[alive2]

i can empithize with the strain on a relationship,but i wish i could get them,but the first time i was told by the drugist that they couldnt give them to me because of the interactions,im on truvada,and kaletra,and all these meds kinda got my dick in the dirt,so i asked my doc if i could take a break on some of the pills just so i can get good with my wife and myself,hell,i think it may do something for my mental well belng too.also i have to pay 10 bucks a piece,medical coverage wont cover them.and not working i cant spend no money,it all has its place.so even if your doc writes the script why is my druggest stopping me?i dont mean to take the board on you,take care

[Eldon]

Hello Everyone,

I agree with Whizzer and Jeff, use 1/2 of the recommended dosage and you should be fine. Not sure? Have a talk with your Doctor and he will give you answers.



Have the BEST Day!

[Christine]

Hello,
I agree with Whizzer about the interactions. I am on anti-depressants (Zoloft) and it has the same interactions with the Norvir. Norvir boosts the amount of Zoloft in the body. Therefore my normal dose of Zoloft is lower than that of a person who is not on Norvir. It has also effected Ambien and Effexor in the past.

Talk to your Doctor about it. You don't want to risk any odd reaction with the two meds, you want to enjoy the benefits of the Viagra and not worry about interactions.

And don't be embarrassed. Call your Doctor and Enjoy!!

Christine