Drug Interaction Report

Using dexAMETHasone together with cobicistat may alter the effects of both medications. Contact your doctor if you experience thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex. In addition, combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

DexAMETHasone may decrease the blood levels of elvitegravir, which may reduce its effectiveness in treating HIV infection. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Using cobicistat together with tenofovir can increase the effects of tenofovir, which can cause new or worse kidney problems. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Cobicistat is a medication used to boost the effects of some medications that treat HIV infection. However, using cobicistat together with other HIV medications, such as emtricitabine, may alter the blood levels and effects of both medications. Using emtricitabine with cobicistat may reduce or increase blood levels of cobicistat. Reduced blood levels of cobicistat may make cobicistat less effective and may cause overall HIV treatment to be less effective. Cobicistat may increase blood levels of emtricitabine which may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use these medications properly. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food significantly increases the absorption of elvitegravir. You should take each dose of elvitegravir with a meal. Taking it on an empty stomach may lead to inadequate blood levels and reduced effectiveness of the medication in treating HIV infection.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.