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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: PolishBear on November 27, 2006, 09:16:38 am

Title: AIDS Meds & Pepto Bismol/Bismuth, Metamucil
Post by: PolishBear on November 27, 2006, 09:16:38 am

Does anyone know if pink bismuth tablets or liquid (commonly known as Pepto Bismol) could influence or interfere with the absorption of any AIDS meds?

I've been on a first-time regimen of Combivir & Sustiva for a year now. I'm tolerating them very well, and they have dropped my viral load to undetectable. But I wonder if taking bismuth preparations for things like diarrhea might inhibit those meds.

ALSO: I know I'm not supposed to take Sustiva with meals, mainly because fats quicken the absorption of this drug. But what about fiber preparations like Metamucil? I take Metamucil daily for the digestive benefits and cholesterol-reducing properties. Would this pose any problems for my drug regimen?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Title: Re: AIDS Meds & Pepto Bismol/Bismuth, Metamucil
Post by: allopathicholistic on November 27, 2006, 09:44:15 am

Quote from: PolishBear on November 27, 2006, 09:16:38 am

But I wonder if taking bismuth preparations for things like diarrhea might inhibit those meds.

How often? ??? Once in a while or more than 4X a week? Please elaborate. Also, what did your doctor say? These are good questions, but please elaborate.

Title: Re: AIDS Meds & Pepto Bismol/Bismuth, Metamucil
Post by: PolishBear on November 27, 2006, 10:10:42 am

Quote from: allopathicholistic on November 27, 2006, 09:44:15 am

How often? ??? Once in a while or more than 4X a week? Please elaborate. Also, what did your doctor say? These are good questions, but please elaborate.

Actually I did a little more Googling, and according to TheBody.com, there are "no known interactions" between antiretroviral drugs and anti-diarrheals like Pepto-Bismol and Metamucil. Hooray!

Thanks anyway!