DRUGS
& HIV

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HIV MEDS AND DRUGS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hey there, let’s talk about something important – the interplay between HIV medications (also called antiretrovirals) and substances like alcohol and drugs. It’s all about staying safe while having a good time!

Now, not every drug out there interacts with HIV meds. Keep in mind, the info we’re sharing comes from the research we’ve got, but there might be some hidden interactions we haven’t uncovered yet. Remember, what we’re sharing isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you’re curious about potential interactions, it’s a great idea to have a chat with a healthcare pro or an HIV specialist. They’ve got the expert know-how

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The interactions between tobacco and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s evidence that smoking increases the risk for all people living with HIV of developing lung cancers, but that’s not specific to HIV meds.

The interactions between cocaine and antiretroviral medications are not well known. But we did find that the use of cocaine may impact the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. In combination with HIV medications, cocaine may:

  • Aggravate HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders;
  • Impact inflammatory and oxidative systems; and
  • Impact coronary health.

We also found that protease inhibitors can increase concentrations of cocaine in the body, which amplifies its effects, both positive and negative, so best to be aware of cocaine toxicity.

Additionally, some studies have highlighted the interactions between significant stenosis and the use of particular HIV medications, including Lamivudine, Stavudine and Zidovudine. Furthermore, research has also identified issues for long-term cocaine users and kidney functioning for patients taking Efavirenz, Etravirine, Nevirapine, and Rilpivirine.

Anyone using cocaine should chat with an HIV specialist about their medication regimens and what the possible interactions are.

The interactions between cocaine and PrEP and PEP are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that cocaine use directly interacts with these medications or reduces their efficacy. We’ll keep looking and update you if any new research comes to light.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and cocaine head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between MDMA and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that MDMA use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that at least two fatalities have been reported when antiretrovirals have been used alongside MDMA. One fatality involved a person taking Ritonavir and the other involved taking both Ritonavir and Saquinavir. Chat with an HIV specialist about MDMA use and the interactions with HIV medications.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and MDMA head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between meth or amphetamines and antiretroviral medications are not well known. But we did find that the use of meth and amphetamines may impact the efficacy of antiretroviral medications, and in combination with HIV medications, may aggravate HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

We did find that there was one fatality with someone using meth and taking antiretroviral medications, which included a combination of Saquinavir, Stavudine and Ritonavir.

Furthermore, we also found that protease inhibitors can increase concentrations of meth and amphetamines in the body, which amplifies its effects, both positive and negative, so best to be aware of toxicity.

Lastly, Cobicistat may impact the metabolism of meth and amphetamines and increase or decrease its effects, both positive and negative.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and meth head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between G and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that G use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that the interactions between protease inhibitors and GHB can be toxic and life-threatening, as were the interactions between GHB and Delavirdine and Efavirenz. Best to chat with an HIV specialist about the interactions between G and HIV medications.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and G head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between amyl and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that amyl use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and amyl head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between weed and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that weed use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that certain antiretroviral medications can increase or decrease the effects of weed, including Efavirenz, Etravirine, Maraviroc, Cobicistat and most protease inhibitors. Chat with an HIV specialist about using weed when taking HIV medications.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and alcohol head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between ketamine and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that ketamine use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that a range of drugs could increase or decrease the effects, and level of effects from ketamine use. Additionally, some research suggests that combining ketamine with Ritonavir, Lopinavir or Cobacistat can lead to epigastric pain and hepatobiliary disorder, basically affecting the pancreas and surrounding areas.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and ketamine head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

There’s currently no evidence to suggest that Viagra use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that there are potentially serious and dangerous interactions between Viagra/Sildenafil and several antiretrovirals. These interactions may cause cardiac abnormalities or issues, hypertension, visual changes, prolonged erections, or other concerns, and should be avoided. Basically, it’s pretty complicated and it can be fatal!

Several antiretrovirals can potentially decrease the level or effect of Viagra or Sildenafil. It’s best to chat with a healthcare professional before taking any erectile dysfunction medication and HIV medications.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and Viagra head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between steroids and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that steroid use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and steroids head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between alcohol and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that alcohol use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and alcohol head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between LSD and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that LSD use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find research that suggests that due to the way that certain HIV medications are metabolised, LSD may become concentrated in the body, which means it amplifies the effects of LSD, including hallucinations, visual disturbances or flashbacks.

For more information about mixing LSD with HIV medications head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between mushrooms and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that mushrooms directly reduce the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and mushrooms head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between inhalants and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that inhalants directly reduce the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and alcohol head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between heroin and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that heroin use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that protease inhibitors, and other drugs, including Efavirenz or Etravirine, can amplify the effects of heroin if it’s injected or inhaled. Patients of these medications should chat with an HIV specialist about signs of opiate toxicity.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and heroin head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between opioids and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that opioid use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that Nevirapine significantly increases the symptoms of opioid withdrawals, so best to chat with a healthcare professional before quitting.

To find out about specific HIV medications and their interactions with opioids head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between benzos and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that benzo use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that protease inhibitors and other drugs, including Delvirdine, Efavirenz, Etravirine and Nevirapine, can impact the effects of benzos, either increasing or decreasing their effects. It’s best to chat with an HIV specialist if using these medications and taking benzos just in case any HIV medication dosages need to be altered.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and benzos head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between fentanyl and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that fentanyl use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that protease inhibitors and some other medications, including Efavirenz, Etravirine, Nevirapine and Cobicistat can have fatal consequences when mixed with fentanyl. Some of these drugs can increase the effects of fentanyl, amplify any withdrawal symptoms, result in increased bleeding or risk potentially fatal respiratory depression.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and fentanyl head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between Oxy and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that Oxy use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that protease inhibitors and some other medications, including Efavirenz, Etravirine, Nevirapine and Cobicistat can have fatal consequences when mixed with Oxy. Chat with an HIV specialist before taking Oxy.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and Oxy head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between nitrous oxide and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that nitrous oxide use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

We did find that prolonged use of nitrous oxide in combination with Zidovudine warrants attention for the possible side effects that may result. Patients are recommended to consult with an HIV specialist.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and nitrous oxide head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

The interactions between methadone/BUP and antiretroviral medications are not well known. There’s currently no evidence to suggest that methadone/BUP use directly reduces the efficacy of antiretroviral medications. If some new research comes to light, then we’ll update this section and let you know.

There is a range of antiretroviral medications, from different categories, that should not be mixed with methadone and/or BUP. Some interactions can cause issues with toxicity in the central nervous system, affect cardiac function, create abnormal rhythm, slow breathing and significant shifts in mental health. The interactions can also lead to increasing or decreasing the effects, and side effects, of methadone and/or BUP.

It’s best to chat with an HIV specialist before taking any form of methadone or BUP.

To learn about the interactions between specific HIV medications and methadone/BUP head to Liverpool HIV Drug Interactions Checker.

DISCLAIMER:
The information given on this page is not medical advice and should not be relied upon in that way.

DRUGS AND HORMONES