HIV Prevention and Testing > How Can I Prevent HIV?
Descovy and Orlistat Interactions
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sydbb:
Hello all, I have a question and hope someone has the knowledge to help me. I´m currently taking Taficita(PrEP), generic version of Descovy. I just started the over the counter drug Orlistat - a medication that helps prevent the absorption of fat from food. I've done some research online, it seems that Orlistat has interactions with antiviral medications in general since Orlistat reduces the absorption of HIV drugs especially if it's lipophilic.
According to "https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/interactions/87600", they should be taken 4-5 hours apart. But according to "https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm" the interaction is very serious.
Does anyone have knowledge in this subject? Theoretically do they interact if taken 4-5 hours apart? Thanks!
Jim Allen:
Hiya,
Orlistat may theoretically reduce the absorption and therapeutic efficacy of antiretroviral agents. *
Using an interaction checker is something I recommend that people do, however, when something does flag you will need to check with your healthcare provider.
*MHRA. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency "Orlistat: theoretical interaction with antiretroviral HIV medicines. Available from: URL: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON392868 " ([2014 Mar]):
sydbb:
--- Quote from: Jim Allen on May 12, 2022, 11:11:25 pm ---Hiya,
Orlistat may theoretically reduce the absorption and therapeutic efficacy of antiretroviral agents. *
Using an interaction checker is something I recommend that people do, however, when something does flag you will need to check with your healthcare provider.
*MHRA. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency "Orlistat: theoretical interaction with antiretroviral HIV medicines. Available from: URL: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON392868 " ([2014 Mar]):
--- End quote ---
Thank you very much, I've asked my doctor and he said it's ok to take both at least 5 hours apart. Hopefully he's right and this doesn't effect the efficacy of PrEP, since there is no return if breakthrough infection happens.