I have just been put on probation for methamphetamine and was told by the Judge that my 1st positive drug test would earn me a motion to revoke my 10 year deferred adjudicated probation and so I went to my first probation appointment this morning and they had me submit a urine specimen which came up clean for everything except marijuana which I have NOT smoked in nearly 20 years. I am on many other medications, however, one of which is ATRIPLA for HIV. The tester at probation said after looking it up on his computer that it has caused false positives but that he could not say that officially, and so my PO sent my doctor a request to verify that ATRIPLA could cause a false THC positive. Is this true? Some of the other meds i take on a daily basis are: celebrex, nexium, Adderal, & Serequil, also fish oil and a daily multi-vitamin. i am extremely worried because we are talking about my freedom here, and with my other health conditions, ny freedom is basically my life as well
I just tested positive for THC and I do NOT smoke marijuana could Atripla make me positive?
Question posted by taxijim on 31 Jan 2013
Last updated on 3 April 2017
Oh and I also am prescribed Androgel for low T which i use on a daily basis.
3 Answers
I have been on ATRIPLA since it was made and before that SUSTIVA which is part of ATRIPLA and I tested positive for THC on the last day of my parole in 2004. Answer: Yes, Atripla can cause a false positive for THC. It is the 8-Ether-Glucuronide metabolite that causes the false positive and the reason(s) are unknown.
Atripla (Efavirenz) does not bind to cannabinoid receptors. False-positive urine cannabinoid test results have been observed in non-HIV-infected volunteers receiving efavirenz when the Microgenics Cedia DAU Multi-Level THC assay was used for screening. Negative results were obtained when more specific confirmatory testing was performed with gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. You will find the above information on the package insert that is provided by the manufacturer with the medication and approved by the FDA.
PubMed.gov also published a study in November in which they found the Rapid Response test strips yielded false positive results in 28 out of 30 samples.
If your not using then your not using. If your playing a game it will catch up with you. If you are facing prison for substance abuse you have been introduced to treatment, 12 step meetings, sponsors. If you are in recovery then your sponsor can also be a good support and validation for you. I have had women that I sponsored in NA have me work with their PO, therapists. If you are working a recovery program it will go a long way with the judge and PO who deal with addicts every day. Ask your PO for a 12 step meetings verification form so you can show proof that you are making an honest attempt to stay clean. NA is a wonderful program if your willing to surrender.
I beg your pardon, I went home and immediately contacted my primary care doctor who had me come in immediately (within the hour) and do a confirmatory drug screen that rendered a NEGATIVE result for THC. Like I said, hadn't smoked or taken any form of marijuana in 20 years, it MUST'VE been the Aripla.
Related topics
Further information
- Atripla uses and safety info
- Atripla prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Atripla (detailed)
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