My drugs chart

This provides information on anti-HIV medications currently licensed for use in Europe.
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abacavir

Also known as Ziagen

abacavir
lamivudine

Also known as Kivexa

atazanavir

Also known as Reyataz

Biktarvy

cobicistat

Also known as Tybost

darunavir

Also known as Prezista

Delstrigo

Descovy

Also known as emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide

dolutegravir

Also known as Tivicay

doravirine

Also known as Pifeltro

Dovato

efavirenz

Also known as Sustiva

efavirenz
emtricitabine
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Also known as Atripla

emtricitabine

Also known as Emtriva

emtricitabine
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Also known as Truvada

etravirine

Also known as Intelence

Eviplera

Evotaz

Also known as atazanavir/cobicistat

Genvoya

ibalizumab

Also known as Trogarzo

Juluca

lamivudine

Also known as Epivir

lamivudine
zidovudine

Also known as Combivir

lopinavir
ritonavir

Also known as Kaletra

maraviroc

Also known as Celsentri

nevirapine

Also known as Viramune

Odefsey

raltegravir

Also known as Isentress

Rezolsta

Also known as darunavir/cobicistat

rilpivirine

Also known as Edurant

ritonavir

Also known as Norvir

Stribild

Symtuza

tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Also known as Viread

Triumeq

zidovudine

Also known as Retrovir

abacavir

x

abacavir
lamivudine

x

atazanavir

x

Biktarvy

x

cobicistat

x

darunavir

x

Delstrigo

x

Descovy

x

dolutegravir

x

doravirine

x

Dovato

x

efavirenz

x

efavirenz
emtricitabine
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

x

emtricitabine

x

emtricitabine
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

x

etravirine

x

Eviplera

x

Evotaz

x

Genvoya

x

ibalizumab

x

Juluca

x

lamivudine

x

lamivudine
zidovudine

x

lopinavir
ritonavir

x

maraviroc

x

nevirapine

x

Odefsey

x

raltegravir

x

Rezolsta

x

rilpivirine

x

ritonavir

x

Stribild

x

Symtuza

x

tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

x

Triumeq

x

zidovudine

x
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Names i
abacavir
Also known as Ziagen
abacavir
lamivudine
Also known as Kivexa
atazanavir
Also known as Reyataz
Biktarvy
cobicistat
Also known as Tybost
darunavir
Also known as Prezista
Delstrigo
Descovy
Also known as emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide
dolutegravir
Also known as Tivicay
doravirine
Also known as Pifeltro
Dovato
efavirenz
Also known as Sustiva
efavirenz
emtricitabine
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Also known as Atripla
emtricitabine
Also known as Emtriva
emtricitabine
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Also known as Truvada
etravirine
Also known as Intelence
Eviplera
Evotaz
Also known as atazanavir/cobicistat
Genvoya
ibalizumab
Also known as Trogarzo
Juluca
lamivudine
Also known as Epivir
lamivudine
zidovudine
Also known as Combivir
lopinavir
ritonavir
Also known as Kaletra
maraviroc
Also known as Celsentri
nevirapine
Also known as Viramune
Odefsey
raltegravir
Also known as Isentress
Rezolsta
Also known as darunavir/cobicistat
rilpivirine
Also known as Edurant
ritonavir
Also known as Norvir
Stribild
Symtuza
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Also known as Viread
Triumeq
zidovudine
Also known as Retrovir
Drug class i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Protease inhibitors i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Boosting agents i
Protease inhibitors i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Integrase inhibitors i
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Protease inhibitors i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Post-attachment inhibitor i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Protease inhibitors i
CCR5 inhibitor i
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Integrase inhibitors i
Protease inhibitors i
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) i
Boosting agents i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Combination: single-tablet regimens i
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) i
Approved dosage i

The usual adult dose of abacavir is 600mg per day, taken as either two 300mg tablets once a day, or one 300mg tablet twice a day. It is available as a generic drug, so its appearance will vary. Abacavir is also available in a combination tablet with lamivudine, and in the single-tablet regimen Triumeq.

Combination tablet of 600mg abacavir and 300mg lamivudine (both NRTIs). The usual adult dose is one tablet taken once a day. It is available as a generic tablet so appearances will vary.

The usual adult dose is one 300mg atazanavir capsule taken together with one 100mg ritonavir tablet, once a day. Atazanavir is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary.

Triple-drug combination in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 50mg of bictegravir (an integrase inhibitor), 200mg of emtricitabine and 25mg of tenofovir alafenamide (both NRTIs) in a purplish-brown tablet.

The usual adult dose is one 150mg round, yellow tablet taken once a day to boost darunavir or atazanavir. Cobicistat is also available in the following combination drugs: Symtuza, Genvoya, Stribild, Evotaz, Rezolsta.

The usual adult dose is one 800mg darunavir tablet taken together with one 100mg ritonavir tablet, once a day. For more resistant HIV, your doctor may prescribe one 600mg darunavir tablet with one 100mg ritonavir tablet, taken together twice a day. Darunavir is available as a generic drug so its appearance may vary. Darunavir is also available in the combination tablet Symtuza.

Triple-drug combination in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 100mg of doravirine (an NNRTI), 300mg of lamivudine and 245mg of tenofovir disoproxil (both NRTIs) in a yellow tablet.

Combination tablet of 200mg emtricitabine and either 10mg (grey tablet) or 25mg (blue tablet) of tenofovir alafenamide. The usual adult dose is one tablet taken once a day.

The usual adult dose is one 50mg yellow tablet taken once a day. Dolutegravir should be taken twice a day if you have HIV known to be resistant to other integrase inhibitors. Dolutegravir is also available in the combination tablets Triumeq and Juluca.

The usual adult dose is one 100mg white tablet taken once a day. Doravirine is also available in the combination tablet Delstrigo.

Combination treatment in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 50mg dolutegravir (an integrase inhibitor) and 300mg lamivudine (an NRTI) in a white tablet.

The usual adult dose is one 600mg tablet taken once a day or three 200mg capsules taken once a day. Efavirenz is also available in a combination tablet with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil. Efavirenz is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary.

Triple-drug combination in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 600mg efavirenz (an NNRTI), 200mg emtricitabine and 245mg tenofovir disoproxil (both NRTIs). It is available as a generic drug so appearances may vary.

The usual adult dose of emtricitabine is one 200mg blue and white capsule per day. Emtricitabine is also available in combination tablets. It is combined with other antiretroviral drugs in Atripla, Descovy, Eviplera, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild and Truvada.

Combination tablet of 200mg emtricitabine and 245mg tenofovir disoproxil (both NRTIs). The usual adult dose is one tablet taken once a day.  It is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary.

The usual adult dose is one white 200mg tablet or two white 100mg tablets taken twice a day. Your doctor may recommend taking 400mg etravirine once a day. However, do not change to this dosage without consulting your doctor.

Triple-drug combination in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 200mg emtricitabine, 245mg tenofovir disoproxil (both NRTIs), and 25mg of rilpivirine (an NNRTI) in a purplish-pink tablet.

Combines 300mg atazanavir and 150mg cobicistat (to boost the atazanavir) in a pink, oval tablet. The usual adult dose is one tablet taken once a day.

Combination treatment in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 150mg elvitegravir (an integrase inhibitor), 200mg emtricitabine and 10mg of tenofovir alafenamide (both NRTIs), along with 150mg cobicistat (a boosting agent) in a green film-coated tablet.

Ibalizumab is given as an infusion by a drip into a vein at a clinic, every two weeks. Treatment begins with an infusion of 2000mg and then 800mg every two weeks afterwards. The first infusion will last at least half an hour.

Combination treatment in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 50mg of dolutegravir (an integrase inhibitor) and 25mg of rilpivirine (an NNRTI) in a pink tablet.

The usual adult dose of lamivudine is 300mg per day, taken as either one 300mg tablet once a day, or one 150mg tablet twice a day. It is available as a generic drug, so its appearance will vary. Lamivudine is also available in a combination tablet with either zidovudine or abacavir, and in the single-tablet regimen Triumeq.

Combination tablet of 150mg lamivudine and 300mg zidovudine. The usual adult dose is one tablet taken twice a day. It is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary.

Combines 200mg lopinavir and 50mg ritonavir (to boost the lopinavir) in a yellow tablet. The usual adult dose is four tablets a day, either as two tablets taken twice a day or four tablets taken once a day.

The dose of maraviroc is dependent on the other anti-HIV drugs you take. Your HIV doctor or pharmacist will talk to you about which dose is appropriate for you. Most people will take one blue tablet (300mg or 150mg) twice daily.

Maraviroc should only be used by people with a type of HIV called CCR5-tropic HIV. Not everybody has this type of virus; if you do not have it, you should not take maraviroc. Your HIV clinic should carry out a test called a tropism test to see if you have CCR5-tropic HIV before prescribing the drug.

The usual adult dose is one 200mg tablet taken once a day for the first two weeks and then one 200mg tablet twice a day thereafter. Alternatively, you may be prescribed one 400mg tablet of prolonged-release nevirapine after the first two weeks of taking the 200mg dose.

Men should not start treatment with nevirapine if their CD4 cell count is above 400 and women should not start treatment with nevirapine if their CD4 cell count is above 250, as this increases the risk of potentially dangerous side-effects relating to the liver.

Nevirapine is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary.

Triple-drug combination treatment in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 200mg emtricitabine, 25mg of tenofovir alafenamide (both NRTIs) and 25mg of rilpivirine (an NNRTI) in a grey, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet.

The usual adult dose is one pink 400mg tablet taken twice daily or two yellow 600mg tablets taken once a day.

Combines 800mg darunavir and 150mg cobicistat (to boost the darunavir) in a pink, oval tablet. The usual adult dose is one tablet taken once a day.

The usual adult dose is one white 25mg tablet taken once a day. Rilpivirine is also available in the combination tablets Eviplera and Odefsey.

The usual adult dose is 100mg or 200mg taken once or twice a day, depending on the frequency with which you take the protease inhibtor it is boosting). Ritonavir is available as a generic drug so its appearance will vary. Ritonavir is also available in the combination tablet Kaletra.

Combination treatment in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 200mg of emtricitabine, 245mg of tenofovir disoproxil (both NRTIs) and 150mg of elvitegravir (an integrase inhibitor), along with 150mg cobicistat (a boosting agent), in a green film-coated tablet.

Combination treatment in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 800mg of darunavir (a protease inhibitor), 200mg of emtricitabine and 10mg of tenofovir alafenamide (both NRTIs), along with 150mg of cobicistat (a boosting agent), in a yellow tablet.

The usual adult dose of tenofovir disoproxil is one 245mg tablet once a day. It is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary. Tenofovir disoproxil is also available in combination tablets Atripla, Eviplera, Stribild and Truvada.

Triple-drug combination in one tablet, taken once a day. Combines 50mg dolutegravir (an integrase inhibitor), 600mg abacavir and 300mg lamivudine (both NRTIs) in an oval, film-coated purple tablet.

The usual adult dose of zidovudine is 250mg twice a day. It is available as a generic drug so appearances will vary.  Zidovudine is also available in a combination tablet with lamivudine.

Your dosage i
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Tips on taking it i

Take with or without food.

Take with or without food.

Take with food to improve absorption.

Take with or without food.

Take with food.

Darunavir must be taken with food to improve absorption.

Take with or without food.

Take with or without food.

The pill containing 10mg of tenofovir alafenamide should only be taken if combined with the boosters ritonavir or cobicistat. The pill containing 25mg of tenofovir alafenamide should be taken with all other third agents, e.g. etravirine, raltegravir, efavirenz, dolutegravir.

Take the tablet with or without food, preferably in the morning. If you have some resistance to integrase inhibitors, you should take it with food. Dolutegravir tablets are small and may be a good option if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets.

Doravirine can be taken with or without food.

Take with or without food.

Take on an empty stomach. Some people find taking it with food reduces side-effects, but avoid taking it with a high-fat meal; this may increase absorption of the drug, potentially increasing side-effects. If efavirenz causes confusion or dizziness, taking the dose before going to bed can help reduce or prevent these side-effects.

Take on an empty stomach – this can reduce the risk of some side-effects. The tablet should be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush or split it. Some people find taking it with food reduces side-effects, but avoid taking it with a high-fat meal; this may increase absorption of the drug, potentially increasing side-effects.

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil may cause confusion or dizziness (because of the efavirenz, which often happens during the first few weeks of taking it); people often find it helpful to take it before going to bed or earlier in the evening.

Take with or without food.

Best taken with food, but can be taken on an empty stomach.

Take with food. If you find it difficult to take the tablet whole, you can disperse it in a glass of water. Stir it well and drink it straight away. Add some more water and drink that too, to make sure you have taken the entire dose.

Always take with food, such as your main meal of the day, otherwise you will not absorb enough rilpivirine and your treatment may fail.

Take with food to improve absorption.

Take with food. If you take Genvoya without food you may not absorb enough elvitegravir and your treatment may fail.

You will need an infusion of ibalizumab every two weeks. If you are more than three days late for an infusion you will receive another 2000mg infusion. You will need to spend one hour at the clinic after the first infusion to check that you do not have a reaction to it.

Take with a meal.

Take with or without food.

Take with or without food.

Take the tablets with or without food. They must be swallowed whole and not broken, chewed or crushed. Taking the doses with food can reduce potential irritation of the stomach.

Take the dose with or without food.

Take with or without food. Prolonged-release nevirapine must be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed or divided.

Always take with food, such as your main meal of the day, otherwise you will not absorb enough rilpivirine and your treatment may fail.

Take with or without food.

Always take Rezolsta with food to improve absorption.

Always take with food, such as your main meal of the day, otherwise you will not absorb enough rilpivirine and your treatment may fail. Rilpivirine is very small, so may be a good option if you have difficulty swallowing tablets.

Take with food to reduce nausea. Do not chew, break or crush tablets. Ritonavir tablets and the powder for oral suspension should always be stored at room temperature.

Take with food. If you take Stribild without food you may not absorb enough elvitegravir and your treatment may fail.

Take with food – within half an hour of having a meal or snack. The tablet should be swallowed whole – don’t chew, crush or split it. If you take Symtuza without food you may not absorb enough darunavir and your treatment may fail.

Take with food, to increase absorption. However, it is generally accepted that tenofovir can be taken with or without food.

Take with or without food, preferably in the morning.

Can be taken with or without food, but taking the dose with food reduces nausea.

Warnings i

Abacavir can cause a serious allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction in people with one particular gene. Before starting treatment with abacavir or any abacavir-containing regimen you should have an HLA-B*5701 test to see if you have this gene. If the test is positive you must not take abacavir. If the test is negative, it is highly unlikely that an allergic reaction will occur, but contact your HIV clinic immediately (or A&E if out of hours) if you begin to feel unwell after starting the drug.

In the box with the drug there is an ‘alert card’, which you should carry with you for the first six weeks of taking abacavir.

The particular side-effects you should look out for during this time are:

  • Any skin rash OR

If you get one or more symptoms from at least TWO of the following groups:

  • fever
  • shortness of breath, sore throat or cough
  • nausea or vomiting, or diarrhoea or abdominal pain
  • severe tiredness or achiness or generally feeling ill.

You should never retry abacavir, or take any combination containing abacavir, if you have had an allergic reaction to it previously.

Abacavir: Abacavir can cause a serious allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction in people with one particular gene. Before starting treatment with abacavir or any abacavir-containing regimen you should have an HLA-B*5701 test to see if you have this gene. If the test is positive you must not take abacavir. If the test is negative, it is highly unlikely that an allergic reaction will occur, but contact your HIV clinic immediately (or A&E if out of hours) if you begin to feel unwell after starting the drug.

In the box with the drug there is an ‘alert card’, which you should carry with you for the first six weeks of taking abacavir. The particular side-effects you should look out for during this time are:

  • Any skin rash OR

If you get one or more symptoms from at least TWO of the following groups:

  • fever
  • shortness of breath, sore throat or cough
  • nausea or vomiting, or diarrhoea or abdominal pain
  • severe tiredness or achiness or generally feeling ill.

You should never retry abacavir, or take any combination containing abacavir, if you have had an allergic reaction to it previously.

 

An allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction has been reported in some people taking dolutegravir. This is rare, but you should see a doctor immediately if you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction. The symptoms are skin rash; fever; fatigue; swelling, sometimes of the face or mouth, causing breathing problems; muscle or joint aches.

Dolutegravir: An allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction has been reported in some people taking dolutegravir. This is rare, but you should see a doctor immediately if you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction. The symptoms are skin rash; fever; fatigue; swelling, sometimes of the face or mouth, causing breathing problems; muscle or joint aches.

Dolutegravir: An allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction has been reported in some people taking dolutegravir. This is rare, but you should see a doctor immediately if you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction. The symptoms are skin rash; fever; fatigue; swelling, sometimes of the face or mouth, causing breathing problems; muscle or joint aches.

Nevirapine can cause a serious hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction in some people. This is more likely in the first 18 weeks of treatment, and especially in the first 6 weeks of treatment, so your doctor will monitor you more closely than usual during this time. The reaction is more likely in people who have higher CD4 counts when they start taking nevirapine.

The symptoms of the reaction are a rash, along with other symptoms which may include: fever, blisters, sores in the mouth, eye inflammation, facial or other swelling, difficulty breathing, muscle or joint pain, generally feeling ill.

Another possible serious reaction affects the liver. Symptoms of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark or tea-coloured urine, pale-coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and pain, aching or sensitivity on the right side of your body.

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction or liver problems you should contact a doctor immediately (either your HIV clinic or A&E if your clinic is closed).

You should never retry nevirapine, if you have had an allergic reaction to it previously.

 

An allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction has been reported in some people using raltegravir. This reaction is rare. See your HIV clinic immediately (or A&E if out of hours) if you develop a rash together with any of these symptoms: fever; feeling generally unwell or extremely tired; muscle or joint ache; blistering of the skin; mouth ulcers; swelling of the eyes, lips, mouth or face; breathing difficulties; yellowing of the skin or eyes; dark urine; pale stools; or pain, aching or sensitivity on the right-hand side of the body, below the ribs.

Dolutegravir: An allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction has been reported in some people taking dolutegravir. This is rare, but you should see a doctor immediately if you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction. The symptoms are skin rash; fever; fatigue; swelling, sometimes of the face or mouth, causing breathing problems; muscle or joint aches.

Abacavir: Abacavir can cause a serious allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction in people with one particular gene. Before starting treatment with abacavir or any abacavir-containing regimen you should have an HLA-B*5701 test to see if you have this gene. If the test is positive you must not take abacavir. If the test is negative, it is highly unlikely that an allergic reaction will occur, but contact your HIV clinic immediately (or A&E if out of hours) if you begin to feel unwell after starting the drug.

In the box with the drug there is an ‘alert card’, which you should carry with you for the first six weeks of taking abacavir. The particular side-effects you should look out for during this time are:

  • Any skin rash OR

If you get one or more symptoms from at least TWO of the following groups:

  • fever
  • shortness of breath, sore throat or cough
  • nausea or vomiting, or diarrhoea or abdominal pain
  • severe tiredness or achiness or generally feeling ill.

You should never retry abacavir, or take any combination containing abacavir, if you have had an allergic reaction to it previously.

Common side effects i

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, headache, tiredness.

Headache, abdominal pain, hair loss, insomnia, tiredness, loss of appetite, runny nose and joint pain.

Nausea, diarrhoea, rash, abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, heartburn, tiredness, raised bilirubin levels, sometimes leading to jaundice. Developing some yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice) is fairly common when taking atazanavir, especially when you first start the drug. Although this can look alarming, it is harmless and does not mean that your liver is damaged, or not working in any way.

Depression, abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness and tiredness.

Raised blood sugar, increased appetite, difficulty in sleeping, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, altered sense of taste, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, dry mouth, jaundice, rash, and tiredness.

Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, rash, itching, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, headache, fever, peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves in the hands or feet), lipodystrophy, difficulty in sleeping, weakness, tiredness, diabetes, raised creatine or amylase or triglyceride or cholesterol or liver enzyme levels.

Abnormal dreams, difficulty in sleeping, nightmare, depression, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, cough, an irritated or runny nose, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, hair loss, rash, muscle disorders, fatigue, fever.

Headache, dizziness, abnormal dreams, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence, indigestion, rash, tiredness.

Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, rash, itching, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, abnormal dreams, fatigue, flatulence, increase in liver enzymes, increase in creatine phosphokinase (enzymes produced in the muscles).

Abnormal dreams, difficulty in sleeping, nightmare, depression, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, tiredness.

Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, depression, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, increased liver enzymes or creatinine phosphokinase, rash, itching, hair loss, muscle and joint pains.

Rash, itching, dizziness, headache, abnormal dreams, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, disturbed concentration, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness and raised triglyceride and liver enzyme levels.

Mood and sleep problems are most commonly experienced during the first four weeks of treatment and include feeling ‘out of sorts’, confusion, impaired concentration, sleep disturbance, abnormal dreams, anxiety and depression. In most cases these side-effects go away by themselves and it isn’t necessary to stop taking efavirenz. However, some people find them intolerable and need to change treatment as a result. If you have mental health problems, or have had in the past, efavirenz may not be a good choice for you. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

Difficulty in sleeping, tiredness, abnormal dreams, impaired concentration, dizziness, rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, headache, anxiety, depression, raised liver enzyme, creatine kinase and amylase levels, skin darkening, low blood phosphate levels, weakness, stomach pains, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, loss of appetite, raised blood sugar and triglyceride levels.

Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, indigestion, headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, raised liver enzyme, amylase or creatine kinase levels, raised blood sugar and triglyceride levels, rash, itching, skin darkening, insomnia, abnormal dreams.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia, abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, rash, itching, weakness, abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, raised blood sugar, pancreatic enzyme and triglyceride levels, raised liver enzyme or creatine kinase levels, low blood phosphate levels, skin darkening, low white blood cell count.

Anaemia, low platelet count, diabetes, raised blood sugar, triglyceride or cholesterol levels, anxiety, difficulty in sleeping, headache, heart attack, high blood pressure, indigestion and acid reflux, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain, kidney failure, tiredness, rash, peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves in the hands or feet).

Raised cholesterol and triglyceride levels, loss of appetite, depression, sleep disorders, abnormal dreams, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, insomnia, headache, weakness, rash, itching, abdominal pain, dry mouth, fatigue, bloating, flatulence, changes in kidney function, raised liver enzyme, amylase and creatine kinase levels, low blood phosphate levels, skin darkening, low white blood cell count.

Increased appetite, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, altered taste, raised bilirubin levels, sometimes leading to jaundice, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, dry mouth, rash, tiredness. 

A common side-effect of Evotaz is the development of a rash. This is usually mild, but in rare cases it can be the sign of a more severe reaction. It is important to tell your doctor if you develop a rash when you start Evotaz.

Abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, rash and tiredness.

Rash, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting and tiredness.

Difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, depression, depressed mood, anxiety, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, dry mouth, decreased appetite, increased liver enzymes or bilirubin or creatinine phosphokinase or lipase or pancreatic amylase, decreased white blood cell count, haemoglobin or platelet count, increased total or LDL cholesterol, increased triglycerides, rash, itching.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, general feeling of being unwell, cough, runny nose, abdominal pain, hair loss, fever, insomnia, rash, tiredness, muscle and joint pain.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tiredness, headache, dizziness, weakness, muscle pain, loss of appetite, fever, abdominal pain, hair loss, insomnia, rash, cough, runny nose, joint or muscle pain, fat loss, anaemia, low white blood cell count, raised liver enzymes.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, tiredness, weakness, headache, heartburn and indigestion, pancreatitis, raised lipids or blood sugar, diabetes, high blood pressure, raised liver enzymes, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sinus infections, skin infections, rash, itching, allergic swelling, peripheral nerve damage, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, muscle pain, erectile dysfunction, menstrual disorders.

Postural hypotension (dizziness on standing too quickly), anaemia, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, flatulence, weakness, depression, difficulty in sleeping, raised liver enzyme levels, rash. 

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, headache, rash (usually in the first six weeks of treatment), fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, raised liver enzymes and high blood pressure.

Difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, depression, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dry mouth, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea, rash, tiredness, low white or red blood cell count, low platelet count, raised lipid or pancreatic enzyme or liver enzyme levels.

Loss of appetite, headache, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, depression, dizziness, vertigo, restlessness, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, rash, weakness, fatigue, fever, raised liver or pancreatic enzymes, raised triglycerides.

Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, indigestion, rash, itching, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, headache, fever, difficulty in sleeping, tiredness, diabetes, raised creatine or amylase or triglyceride or cholesterol or liver enzyme levels.

Insomnia, headache, nausea, rash, depression, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, reduced white or red blood cell count, low platelet count, raised cholesterol or triglyceride or liver enzymes or pancreatic amylase or lipase levels, reduced appetite, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, low mood, tiredness, drowsiness, dry mouth.

Common (at low dose): Raised lipid levels, diarrhoea.

Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abnormal dreams, headache, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, rash, itching, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, constipation, sleepiness, weakness, skin darkening, low white blood cell count, low blood phosphate levels, raised triglyceride and blood sugar levels, and raised liver enzyme, amylase, creatinine or creatine kinase levels. 

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, loss of appetite, abnormal dreams, diabetes, raised lipid or liver or pancreatic enzyme or creatinine levels, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, flatulence, facial swelling, rash, itching, aching joints or muscles, tiredness, feeling weak.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, dizziness, low blood phosphate levels, raised liver enzymes, weakness, rash, headache, abdominal pains, and bloating.

Difficulty in sleeping, sleepiness, abnormal dreams, depression, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue, rash, itching, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, hair loss, depression, flatulence, abdominal pain, bloating, muscle pain and discomfort, joint pain, an irritated or runny nose, cough, indigestion, gastric reflux and loss of appetite.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, generally feeling unwell, stomach pains, fatigue, headache, dizziness, weakness, muscle pain, loss of appetite.

Rare side effects i

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood). Some, but not all, cohort studies have linked abacavir with an increased risk of heart attack. For this reason, abacavir is not recommended if you have other risk factors for heart disease. Your doctor should discuss this with you.

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood).

Kidney stones, severe rash and fever, changes in heart rhythm.

Suicidal behaviour.

Kidney stones.

Abnormal liver function, changes in heart rhythm.

Lactic acidosis, suicidal thoughts, hepatitis, acute kidney failure or damage.

Anaemia, swelling of the skin, face, lips, tongue or throat.

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction (rash, fever, muscle pain, blistering), liver inflammation.

Suicidal thoughts, acute kidney injury.

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, liver inflammation, lactic acidosis, liver damage.

Severe rash, psychosis, suicidal feelings, liver failure.

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), psychosis, liver inflammation.

Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), liver damage.

Kidney failure, lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), bone thinning, pancreatitis.

Severe rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a life-threatening allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction. You should watch out for the following symptoms accompanying any rash if you are starting etravirine: fever, generally feeling ill, extreme tiredness, muscle or joint aches, blisters, oral lesions, eye inflammation, facial swelling and/or signs and symptoms of liver problems (e.g. yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, dark or tea-coloured urine, pale-coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain, aching or sensitivity on your right side below your ribs). If you develop these symptoms whilst taking this drug you should contact your HIV clinic immediately or A&E if out of hours.

Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), kidney failure.

Kidney stones, severe rash and fever, changes in heart rhythm.

Depression, swelling of the skin, face, lips, tongue or throat.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), liver damage.

Liver damage, severe anaemia, lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood).

Changes in heart rhythm, reduced kidney function.

Liver problems, allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction including itchy rash, yellowing of the eyes, vomiting, dark urine and abdominal pain on the right side.

Severe rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Severe rash and fever.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours, liver failure, kidney failure, allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction.

Abnormal liver function, changes in heart rhythm.

Severe rash and allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction.

Changes in heart rhythm, severe allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction and rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), kidney failure.

Severe rash with fever (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).

Kidney problems, bone thinning.

Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood), suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Blood disorders, lipodystrophy, lactic acidosis, liver problems, pancreatitis.

Resistance i

The drug works well in many people with resistance to other protease inhibitors.

Resistance to doravirine is likely to lead to resistance to efavirenz and rilpivirine.

Resistance to efavirenz is likely to cause resistance to nevirapine and possibly to rilpivirine.

Not suitable for anyone with resistance to NNRTIs.

Etravirine may work for people whose HIV has resistance to other NNRTIs.

Not suitable for people with resistance to raltegravir or elvitegravir.

High-level resistance to other protease inhibitors may reduce the effectiveness of lopinavir/ritonavir.

Resistance to maraviroc is still being studied and appears to occur in a different way to other anti-HIV drugs.

Resistance to nevirapine is likely to cause resistance to efavirenz and possibly to rilpivirine.

Not suitable for use by people with NNRTI resistance.

The drug works well in many people with resistance to other protease inhibitors.

Not suitable for people with resistance to raltegravir or elvitegravir.

Symtuza is suitable for people who have taken antiretroviral drugs before if they do not have any resistance to darunavir. Resistance to darunavir will mean resistance to all protease inhibitors.

Drug interactions i

Care should be taken when abacavir is taken with ribavirin, used to treat hepatitis C. Phenytoin, used to treat epilepsy, may also interact with abacavir. If you are taking methadone (used as a heroin substitute), it’s important your doctor is aware of this, as your dose may need to be changed.

Care should be taken when abacavir is taken with ribavirin, used to treat hepatitis C. Phenytoin, used to treat epilepsy, may also interact with abacavir.

If you are taking methadone (used as a heroin substitute), it’s important your doctor is aware of this, as your dose may need to be changed.

Lamivudine should not be used with the anti-HIV drug emtricitabine. You should not take lamivudine if you are taking high doses of the antibiotic cotrimoxazole or taking cladribine, used to treat a type of blood cancer called hairy cell leukaemia.

You should not take atazanavir with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin, astemizole, bepridil, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, grazoprevir, lovastatin, methylergonovine, midazolam (oral), pimozide, quetiapine, quinidine, rifampicin, sildenafil (when used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension), simvastatin, St John’s wort, terfenadine, triazolam.

Drugs that affect the acidity of your stomach and gastrointestinal tract can stop atazanavir being absorbed, meaning it may not be effective at suppressing the virus.

Proton pump inhibitors (indigestion remedies that reduce gastric acid, such as lansoprazole, pantoprazole or omeprazole) should not be taken with atazanavir, unless they have been prescribed by your HIV doctor and the dose of atazanavir is increased. H2 blockers (treatments for ulcers, such as ranitidine (Zantac)) should be taken only once a day, 4 to 12 hours after atazanavir. If atazanavir is taken with tenofovir, you should never take H2-receptor antagonists without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Indigestion remedies or calcium supplements should be taken at least two hours before or one hour after atazanavir. ‘Buffered’ medicines (drugs that have been prepared so they are released slowly into the body) should be taken at least two hours before or one hour after atazanavir. Talk to your HIV doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these drugs with atazanavir, even if you only take them occasionally.

Atazanavir should not be taken with the anti-HIV drug nevirapine or the chemotherapy drug irinotecan.

Taking NNRTI drugs with atazanavir is not recommended.

You should not take Biktarvy if you are currently taking products containing St John’s wort; rifabutin, rifampicin and rifapentine (used to treat some bacterial infections such as TB); carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures); ciclosporin (an immunosuppressant); or sucralfate (a treatment for stomach ulcers and severe gastric reflux).

Biktarvy should be taken at least 2 hours before, or with food 2 hours after, antacids containing magnesium and/or aluminium. Biktarvy should be taken at least 2 hours before iron supplements or taken with food.

As a boosting agent, cobicistat can also interact with other medicines. Check specific drug interaction information by choosing the drugs in your regimen using this tool.

Cobicistat should not be used with alfusozin, ranolazine, dronedarone,carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, lurasidone pimozide, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, triazolam or oral midazolam.

You should not take darunavir with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, avanafil, bepridil, cisapride, colchicine (if you also have kidney or liver problems), dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, elbasvir/grazoprevir, ergometrine, ergotamine, lopinavir/ritonavir, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, midazolam (oral), pimozide, quetiapine, quinidine, ranolazine, rifampicin, sertindole, sildenafil (when used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension), simvastatin, St John’s wort, systemic lidocaine, terfenadine, ticagrelor, triazolam.

If you are taking darunavir, it is particularly important to check with your HIV doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, as these may interact with darunavir or with the boosting drugs ritonavir or cobicistat. Some common drugs may be affected, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, metformin, methadone and statins.

You should not take Delstrigo if you are currently taking products that contain St John’s wort (a herbal remedy used for depression and anxiety); carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures); rifampicin and rifapentine (used to treat some bacterial infections such as TB); mitotane (a cancer treatment); enzalutamide (a treatment for prostate cancer); lumacaftor (treatment for cystic fibrosis); nafcillin (an antibiotic); telotristat ethyl (diarrhoea treatment); lesinurad (anti-gout treatment); bosentan (blood pressure treatment); dabrafenib (skin cancer treatment); modafinil (used to treat severe sleep disorders, chronic drowsiness).

You should not take Descovy with any of the following drugs, used to treat hepatitis B: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil.

The antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis (TB), rifampicin and rifabutin, may reduce levels of tenofovir alafenamide.

There are other interactions, including with common drugs such as some antibiotics, antivirals used to treat hepatitis C, anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy and the herbal remedy St John’s wort, so it is very important that you tell your doctor about other drugs you are taking.

If you are taking dolutegravir with the anti-epilepsy drugs carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital or oxcarbazepine, the antibiotic rifampicin or St John’s wort, your dose of dolutegravir will be increased to 50mg twice a day.

You should not take antacids (used to treat indigestion and heartburn), calcium supplements, iron or zinc supplements or multivitamins, or medicine containing magnesium or aluminium for six hours before you take dolutegravir, or for at least two hours after taking dolutegravir.

You should not take doravirine if you are currently taking the following medicines: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin (drugs used to treat epilepsy and seizures); rifampicin, rifapentine (treatment for tuberculosis); St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) (a herbal remedy used for depression and anxiety); mitotane (a cancer treatment); enzalutamide (a treatment for prostate cancer); lumacaftor (treatment for cystic fibrosis).

You should not take Dovato if you are currently taking cladribine (chemotherapy) or medicines containing sorbitol, xylitol, mannol, lactitol, maltitol (may be present as fillers in liquid medicines).

Antacids containing magnesium should be taken at least 6 hours before or 2 hours after Dovato. Calcium supplements, iron supplements or multivitamins should be taken at the same time as Dovato, with a meal.

If Dovato is used with St John’s Wort, the tuberculosis treatment rifampicin or the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin or oxcarbazepine, an additional 50mg tablet of dolutegravir should be taken 12 hours after Dovato.

Some drugs can interact with efavirenz and cause dangerous side-effects. Some examples are ergot alkaloids (used to treat migraine and cluster headaches and to control labour); midazolam (an anaesthetic); or St John's wort.

Some drugs can interact with efavirenz and change blood levels of one or both drugs, so dose adjustments may be needed. This is the case for the antiretroviral drugs ritonavir-boosted darunavir, lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), ritonavir, ritonavir-boosted atazanavir and maraviroc. This is also the case for some drugs used to treat bacterial infections such as TB (including clarithromycin, rifabutin and rifampicin), anti-fungal treatments, anticonvulsants, statins, methadone, sertraline, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants and warfarin.

Efavirenz may reduce the effectiveness of some hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill, patches or an implant). If you are using this type of contraceptive to prevent pregnancy you should use an additional barrier method or a different type of contraception.

Some drugs can interact with efavirenz and cause dangerous side-effects. Some examples are ergot alkaloids (used to treat migraine and cluster headaches and to control labour); midazolam (an anaesthetic); or St John's wort.

Some drugs can interact with efavirenz and change blood levels of one or both drugs, so dose adjustments may be needed. These drugs include some drugs used to treat bacterial infections such as TB (including clarithromycin, rifabutin and rifampicin), anti-fungal treatments, anticonvulsants, statins, methadone, sertraline, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants and warfarin.

Efavirenz can make some contraceptives less effective. Your healthcare team will help choose the right method of contraception for you.

Emtricitabine should not be taken with the anti-HIV drug lamivudine.

You should not take emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil with any of the following drugs: tenofovir alafenamide, lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil.

It is important your doctor knows about any other drugs you are taking in case they increase your risk of kidney problems. This includes creatine supplements used to increase exercise performance, as they can interfere with the results of kidney function blood tests.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: aminoglycosides (for bacterial infection); amphotericin B (for fungal infection); foscarnet (for viral infection); ganciclovir (for viral infection); pentamidine (for infections); vancomycin (for bacterial infection); interleukin-2 (to treat cancer); cidofovir (for viral infection); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, to relieve bone or muscle pains).

Do not take with the antiretroviral drugs atazanavir/ritonavir, and protease inhibitors taken without ritonavir or other NNRTIs. It is not recommended to take etravirine with some drugs used to treat epilepsy, rifampicin (an antibiotic used to treat infections, including TB), or St John’s wort.

When taken with the anti-HIV drug maraviroc, a dose adjustment of maraviroc may be needed.

Some drugs can interact with etravirine and change blood levels of one or both drugs, so dose adjustments may be needed. It’s important your doctor knows about any other drugs you are taking, including drugs used to treat bacterial infections, including TB (clarithromycin, rifabutin), statins, drugs used to treat certain heart conditions, antifungal treatments, immunosuppressants, drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, clopidogrel, dexamethasone, diazepam and warfarin.

Etravirine may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill, patches or an implant). If you are using this type of contraceptive to prevent pregnancy you should discuss this with your doctor who might recommend using an additional or different type of contraception.

Do not take Eviplera with the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin, or St John’s wort. Eviplera should not be taken at the same time as the antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin (often used to treat TB). Some other antibiotics can increase blood levels of the rilpivirine in Eviplera.

Medicines that affect stomach acidity can block the way Eviplera is absorbed. Don’t take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, lansoprazole with Eviplera.

Indigestion remedies called H2-blockers (such as ranitidine, Zantac) should be taken at least 12 hours before or at least four hours after taking Eviplera. If you are taking other indigestion remedies (such as Rennies or Gaviscon) or calcium supplements, they should be taken at least two hours before or at least four hours after taking Eviplera as they can prevent it being absorbed properly.

You should not take Evotaz with any of the following drugs: alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, avanafil, bepridil, carbamazepine, cisapride, colchicine, dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, ergometrine, ergonovine, ergotamine, lidocaine (injectable), lovastatin, methylergonovine, midazolam (oral), phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, quetiapine, quinidine, rifampicin, simvastatin, St John’s wort, terfenadine, ticagrelor, triazolam.

Drugs that affect the acidity of your stomach and gastrointestinal tract can stop atazanavir being absorbed, meaning it may not be effective at suppressing HIV.

Proton pump inhibitors (indigestion remedies that reduce gastric acid, such as lansoprazole, pantoprazole or omeprazole) should not be taken with atazanavir, unless they have been prescribed by your HIV doctor and the dose of atazanavir is increased. Evotaz should be taken with food at the same time as, or 10 hours after, an H2-receptor antagonist. If atazanavir is taken with tenofovir, you should never take H2-receptor antagonists without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Indigestion remedies or calcium supplements should be taken at least two hours before or one hour after atazanavir.

‘Buffered’ medicines (drugs that have been prepared so they are released slowly into the body) should be taken at least two hours before or one hour after atazanavir.

Atazanavir should not be taken with the anti-HIV drug nevirapine or the chemotherapy drug irinotecan.

Taking NNRTI drugs with atazanavir is not recommended.

Sildenafil is a drug used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). You should not take sildenafil with Evotaz if sildenafil was prescribed for this reason. Sildenafil is also used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). If you are using sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, tell your doctor before you start treatment with Evotaz.

If you are taking Genvoya it’s important to check with your HIV doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicines from the following groups: antibiotics; antiepileptic medicines; medication to treat high blood pressure; medication to treat high cholesterol (e.g. statins); antidepressants; anticoagulants (medication to thin the blood); medication to help sleep or for sedation; metformin (a tablet to treat diabetes); antiarrhythmic medication (for irregular heart rhythm); oral contraceptives (birth control); steroids taken by inhaler or nasal spray (some steroids can build up in the body causing serious side-effects and must not be taken with Genvoya. Check before using any steroids in this way); herbal medicines (in particular St John’s Wort should be avoided); erectile dysfunction agents (some of these can be increased to dangerous levels and a decreased dose may be recommended).

The antibiotics used to treat TB, rifampicin and rifabutin, may reduce levels of tenofovir alafenamide; so may some anticonvulsants including phenytoin and phenobarbital.

Taking calcium, iron, magnesium or aluminium can stop you from absorbing Genvoya properly – all multivitamin and mineral supplements and antacids must be taken at least 4 hours before or after Genvoya.

You should not take Juluca if you are currently taking products that contain St John’s wort (a herbal remedy used for depression and anxiety); rifampicin and rifapentine (used to treat some bacterial infections such as TB); carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital and phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy and prevent seizures); proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole (used to treat acid reflux); systemic dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory steroid, many uses for treatment of serious conditions); dofetilide (treatment for irregular heartbeat).

H2-recepter antagonists such as famotidine, used to reduce the amount of stomach acid, should be taken at least 4 hours after or 12 hours before Juluca.

Antacids containing magnesium should be taken at least 6 hours before or 4 hours after Juluca.

Calcium supplements, iron supplements or multivitamins should be taken at the same time as Juluca, with a meal.

Lamivudine should not be used with the anti-HIV drug emtricitabine.

You should not take lamivudine if you are taking high doses of the antibiotic cotrimoxazole or taking cladribine, used to treat a type of blood cancer called hairy cell leukaemia.

You should not take lamivudine/zidovudine with the following drugs: clabribine; high doses of cotrimoxazole; emtricitabine; ganciclovir injections; other medicines containing lamivudine; ribavirin; rifampicin; stavudine.

There are other interactions, including with drugs used to treat epilepsy, malaria, cancer, gout, and infections and with methadone, used as a heroin substitute, so it is very important that you tell your doctor about other drugs you are taking.

You should not take lopinavir/ritonavir with any of the following drugs: alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, avanafil, cisapride, colchicine, dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, elbasvir/grazoprevir, ergonovine, ergotamine, fusidic acid, lovastatin, lurasidone, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, methylergonovine, midazolam taken orally, pimozide, quetiapine, ranolazine, sildenafil (for hypertension), simvastatin, St John's wort, terfenadine, triazolam, vardenafil.

Sildenafil is a drug used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). You should not take sildenafil with lopinavir/ritonavir if sildenafil was prescribed for this reason. Sildenafil (Viagra) is also used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). If you are using sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, tell your doctor before you start treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir.

Efavirenz and nevirapine reduce levels of lopinavir/ritonavir and dose adjustments are sometimes recommended when taking twice-daily lopinavir/ritonavir.

Once-daily lopinavir/ritonavir should not be taken with carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy).

Do not take lopinavir/ritonavir with fentanyl (for pain relief); trazodone; Zyban; or anti-cancer drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

If you are taking any of the following drugs, the dose of maraviroc may have to be changed: antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin, rifampicin, rifabutin); antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole); anticonvulsant medicines (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital).

Dose adjustment needed when maraviroc is taken with some other anti-HIV drugs.

St John's wort should not be taken with maraviroc.

You should not take nevirapine with St John's wort.

Some drugs interact with nevirapine and change blood levels of the drugs, which may stop them working or cause side-effects. These include the antiretroviral drugs atazanavir, lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) and efavirenz.

It’s also particularly important your doctor knows if you are taking any of the following drugs with nevirapine, so that the effects can be monitored: antibiotics used to treat certain infections, such as TB (including rifampicin, rifabutin and clarithromycin), anti-fungal treatments, methadone and warfarin.

Nevirapine may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill, patches or an implant). If you are using this type of contraceptive to prevent pregnancy you should use an additional or different type of contraception.

Do not take Odefsey with the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin; dexamethasone (a corticosteroid medicine used to treat inflammation and suppress the immune system); or St John’s wort.

Odefsey should not be taken at the same time as the antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin (often used to treat TB). Some other antibiotics can increase blood levels of the rilpivirine in Odefsey.

Medicines that affect stomach acidity can block the way Odefsey is absorbed. Don’t take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole. Indigestion remedies called H2-blockers (such as ranitidine, Zantac) should be taken at least 12 hours before or at least four hours after taking Odefsey. If you are taking other indigestion remedies (such as Rennies or Gaviscon) or calcium supplements, they should be taken at least two hours before or at least four hours after taking Odefsey as they can prevent it being absorbed properly.

If you are prescribed the TB drug rifampicin, your dose of raltegravir may be increased to 800mg (two pink tablets) twice daily, as rifampicin can reduce drug levels of raltegravir.

You should not take any supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminium or zinc at the same time as raltegravir as they will reduce its absorption. These supplements should be taken at least four hours before or after raltegravir.

You should not take Rezolsta with any of the following drugs: alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, avanafil, bepridil, carbamazepine, cisapride, colchicine, dronedarone, ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergometrine, methylergonovine), lidocaine, lovastatin, midazolam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, quetiapine, quinidine, ranolazine, rifampicin, sertindole, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John’s wort, terfenadine, ticagrelor, triazolam.

If you are taking darunavir, it is particularly important to check with your HIV doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, as these may interact with darunavir or with the boosting drugs ritonavir or cobicistat.

Some common drugs may be affected, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, metformin, methadone and statins.

It’s not recommended that rilpivirine be used in combination with other NNRTIs.

Do not take rilpivirine with the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin or with St John’s wort. Rilpivirine should not be taken at the same time as the antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin (often used to treat TB). Some other antibiotics can increase blood levels of rilpivirine.

Medicines that affect stomach acidity can block the way rilpivirine is absorbed. Don’t take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole. Indigestion remedies called H2-blockers (such as ranitidine, Zantac) should be taken at least 12 hours before or at least four hours after taking rilpivirine. If you are taking other indigestion remedies (such as Rennies or Gaviscon) or calcium supplements, they should be taken at least two hours before or at least four hours after taking rilpivirine as they can prevent it being absorbed properly.

You should not take ritonavir with any of the following drugs: alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, bepridil, avanafil, chlorazepate,  cisapride, colchicine, diazepam, dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, elbasvir/grazoprevir, ergonovine, ergotamine, estazolam, flecanaide, flurazepam, fusidic acid, lovastatin, lurasidone, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, methylergonovine, midazolam taken orally, pethidine, pimozide, piroxicam, propafenone, quetiapine, ranolazine, sildenafil (for hypertension), simvastatin, St John's wort, terfenadine, triazolam, vardenafil.

Ritonavir interacts with many other medications and can change blood levels of one or both drugs. Consult your doctor or HIV pharmacist before taking any other drugs with ritonavir or a ritonavir-boosted drug. This includes: calcium channel blockers, drugs for heart conditions, anticoagulants, asthma and allergy drugs, proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptors, indigestion remedies, anti-fungal treatments, anticonvulsants, anti-TB drugs rifabutin and rifapentine, immunosuppressants, some chemotherapy drugs, steroid-containing inhalers, nasal sprays, eye drops, creams, as well as medicines bought from a high-street chemist, herbal preparations and recreational drugs.

Methadone levels may be reduced by protease inhibitors, and require an increase in dose to achieve the same effect.

Protease inhibitors may reduce the effectiveness of some hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill, patches or an implant). If you are using this type of contraceptive to prevent pregnancy you may need to use an additional or different type of contraception.

If you are taking Stribild it’s important to check with your HIV doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicines from the following groups: antibiotics; antiepileptic medicines; medication to treat high blood pressure; medication to treat high cholesterol (e.g. statins); antidepressants; anticoagulants (medication to thin the blood); medication to help sleep or for sedation; metformin (a tablet to treat diabetes); antiarrhythmic medication (for irregular heart rhythm); oral contraceptives (birth control); steroids taken by inhaler or nasal spray (some steroids can build up in the body causing serious side-effects and must not be taken with Stribild. Check before using any steroids in this way); herbal medicines (in particular St John’s Wort should be avoided); erectile dysfunction agents (some of these can be increased to dangerous levels and a decreased dose may be recommended).

Taking calcium, iron, magnesium or aluminium can stop you from absorbing Stribild properly – all multivitamin and mineral supplements and antacids must be taken at least 4 hours before or after Stribild.

You must not take Symtuza with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin (treatment for prostate enlargement); amiodarone (for angina and cardiac arrhythmia); avanafil (for erectile dysfunction); carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin (epilepsy and seizures); colchicine (for kidney/liver problems); dihydroergotamine or ergotamine (migraine); dronedarone, quinidine (cardiac arrhythmia); ergometrine or methylergonovine (after childbirth); lovastatin, simvastatin (lipid lowering); lurasidone, pimozide, quetiapine, sertindole (antipsychotic); midazolam (seizures); ranolazine (angina); rifampicin (tuberculosis); sildenafil (when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension); St John’s wort (anti-depressant); ticagrelor (blood thinner); triazolam (sedative).

The antibiotics used to treat TB, rifampicin and rifabutin, may reduce levels of tenofovir alafenamide; so may some anticonvulsants.

There are a number of other drugs which can be affected by Symtuza so your doctor or pharmacist may prescribe a different dose. This includes some commonly prescribed drugs such as hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, any product that contains steroids (such as inhalers, eye drops, skin creams or injections), erectile dysfunction drugs, psychiatric drugs, and drugs used to treat opioid dependence, asthma, infections and pain.

Taking tenofovir and atazanavir together decreases the concentration of atazanavir, so it should only be used if boosted with ritonavir. Protease inhibitors also increase concentrations of tenofovir, so if taken together your healthcare team should monitor you carefully for side-effects.

It’s important your doctor knows about any other drugs you are taking in case they increase your risk of kidney problems. This includes creatine supplements used to increase exercise performance, as they can interfere with the results of kidney function blood tests.

There are other drugs that might affect your kidneys – it’s important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: adefovir dipivoxil, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, interleukin-2, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pentamidine, tacrolimus, vancomycin.

If you are taking Triumeq it’s important to check with your HIV doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicines from the following groups: antibiotics; antiepileptic medicines; herbal medicines – in particular St John’s Wort should be avoided; metformin, a tablet to treat diabetes – levels of this drug can be increased by Triumeq and your doctor may need to decrease the dose.

You should not take antacids, to treat indigestion and heartburn, or multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements during the six hours before you take Triumeq, or for at least two hours after you take it.

You should not take zidovudine with the following drugs: ganciclovir injections, ribavirin, rifampicin, stavudine.

Close monitoring or dose adjustment is needed if zidovudine is taken with the antibiotic clarithromycin or phenytoin, a drug used to treat epilepsy.

Several other types of drugs, when taken with zidovudine, can cause an increase in side-effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about any other drugs you are taking. These include, but are not limited to, methadone and drugs to treat infections, cancer and malaria.

Your notes

Contact NAM to find out more about the scientific research and information used to produce this tool.

Drugs licensed in the European Union
This information was last reviewed on 19 March 2015. It is next due for review on 19 March 2018.

Next review date