Genvoya Drug Interactions: Alcohol, Supplements, and Essential Precautions
Explore comprehensive insights on Genvoya interactions with medications, supplements, and alcohol. Learn when to avoid Genvoya and how to safely manage your HIV treatment.
Genvoya (elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription medication designed to treat HIV in adults and children weighing at least 25 kilograms (about 55 pounds). It serves either as a first-line therapy or as a replacement for your current HIV regimen under specific conditions.
Because Genvoya combines multiple active ingredients, it can interact with various drugs and supplements, potentially altering their effects or increasing side effects. Understanding these interactions is vital to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Can Genvoya Interact with Other Medications?
Before initiating Genvoya, inform your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This disclosure helps prevent harmful interactions.
Below is a summary of drugs that may interact with Genvoya, though this is not an exhaustive list:
| Drug or Drug Class | Examples | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-blockers | Alfuzosin (Uroxatral) | Increased risk of alfuzosin side effects |
| Antibiotics | Rifampin (Rifadin) | Reduced effectiveness of Genvoya |
| Phosphodiesterase inhibitors | Sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra) | Heightened risk of sildenafil side effects |
| NSAIDs | Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | Elevated risk of side effects from both drugs |
| Antidepressants | Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), Amitriptyline (Elavil) | Increased antidepressant side effects |
| Cholesterol-lowering agents | Lovastatin (Mevacor), Simvastatin (Zocor), Lomitapide (Juxtapid) | Greater risk of cholesterol drug side effects |
| Antiseizure medications | Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin) | May reduce Genvoya’s effectiveness |
| Antipsychotics | Lurasidone (Latuda), Pimozide (Orap) | Increased antipsychotic side effects |
| Ergot alkaloids | Dihydroergotamine (Migranal), Ergotamine (Ergomar) | Heightened risk of ergot-related side effects |
| Benzodiazepines | Triazolam (Halcion), Midazolam (Versed) | Increased benzodiazepine side effects |
Since Genvoya is a full HIV treatment regimen, it is generally not prescribed alongside other HIV medications, and their combined interactions remain largely unstudied.
When Should Genvoya Be Avoided?
Certain health conditions and concurrent medications can make Genvoya unsafe. These contraindications include:
- Use of medications like alfuzosin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, lurasidone, pimozide, ergot derivatives, lomitapide, certain statins, sildenafil, and specific benzodiazepines.
- Use of St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement, which can reduce Genvoya’s effectiveness.
Discuss your full medication list and health history with your doctor to determine if Genvoya is appropriate for you.
Does Alcohol Affect Genvoya?
There are no direct known interactions between Genvoya and alcohol. However, both can cause liver-related side effects, so consuming alcohol while on Genvoya may increase the risk of liver issues.
Consult your healthcare provider about alcohol use during your treatment.
Understanding Key Drug Interactions with Genvoya
Antidepressants
Genvoya can elevate blood levels of certain antidepressants, increasing side effects such as nausea, unusual dreams, anxiety, fatigue, diarrhea, weight changes, headaches, and confusion.
Your doctor may monitor you closely and adjust antidepressant doses as needed.
Seizure Medications
Some antiseizure drugs can lower Genvoya levels, reducing its effectiveness and complicating HIV treatment. Inform your doctor if you are on seizure medications.
NSAIDs
Both NSAIDs and Genvoya can impact kidney function. Taking them together may raise the risk of kidney-related side effects. Always consult your doctor before combining these medications.
Other Potential Interactions
Supplements
St. John’s wort can significantly reduce Genvoya’s effectiveness and should be avoided. Calcium supplements can interfere with Genvoya absorption; spacing their intake by at least two hours is recommended.
Food
No known food interactions exist, but grapefruit and grapefruit juice may potentially increase Genvoya levels, warranting caution.
Vaccines and Lab Tests
No known interactions with vaccines or lab tests have been reported. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Cannabis and CBD: Using cannabis or CBD products with Genvoya may increase side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about cannabis use.
Health Conditions Affecting Genvoya Use
Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or have had allergic reactions to Genvoya or its components.
Pregnancy can reduce Genvoya levels, making it less effective, and breastfeeding is generally not recommended for people with HIV due to transmission risks.
Preventing Interactions
To minimize risks:
- Share your complete medication and supplement list with your healthcare team.
- Discuss alcohol and cannabis use openly.
- Follow dosing instructions carefully and report any side effects promptly.
- Review all medication guides and labels thoroughly.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist whenever you start a new medication or supplement during your Genvoya treatment.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.
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