Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Orlistat may theoretically reduce the gastrointestinal absorption and therapeutic efficacy of antiretroviral agents. The mechanism may involve retention of lipophilic medicines in the gastrointestinal tract or reduced gastrointestinal tract transit time. Data have been reported for efavirenz and lopinavir. Other antiretroviral agents may also be affected.

MANAGEMENT: The potential reduction in antiretroviral efficacy should be considered before initiating treatment with orlistat. Patients who take antiretroviral medications should be advised to consult their physician before using the non-prescription brand of orlistat.

MONITOR: Orlistat may theoretically reduce the gastrointestinal absorption and therapeutic efficacy of antiretroviral agents. The mechanism may involve retention of lipophilic medicines in the gastrointestinal tract or reduced gastrointestinal tract transit time. Data have been reported for efavirenz and lopinavir. Other antiretroviral agents may also be affected.

MANAGEMENT: The potential reduction in antiretroviral efficacy should be considered before initiating treatment with orlistat. Patients who take antiretroviral medications should be advised to consult their physician before using the non-prescription brand of orlistat.

Food enhances the oral absorption and bioavailability of tenofovir, the active entity of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. According to the product labeling, administration of the drug following a high-fat meal increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of tenofovir by approximately 14% and 40%, respectively, compared to administration in the fasting state. However, administration with a light meal did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of tenofovir compared to administration in the fasting state. Food delays the time to reach tenofovir Cmax by approximately 1 hour. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate may be administered without regard to meals.