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Drug interactions

Bictegravir + Empagliflozin-metformin

Severity: Moderate

Bictegravir and Empagliflozin-metformin: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Bictegravir inhibits the renal transporters OCT2 and MATE1, which clear metformin, and raises metformin exposure. Higher levels increase the risk of gastrointestinal effects and, rarely, lactic acidosis, especially in renal impairment.

What this interaction means in plain words

Bictegravir and Empagliflozin-metformin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Inhibition of OCT2 and MATE1 reduces renal tubular secretion of metformin.

What to do

Monitor glycemic control, renal function and signs of metformin toxicity. Consider limiting the metformin dose, particularly in patients with reduced eGFR.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Bictegravir with Empagliflozin-metformin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bictegravir and Empagliflozin-metformin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Bictegravir inhibits the renal transporters OCT2 and MATE1, which clear metformin, and raises metformin exposure. Higher levels increase the risk of gastrointestinal effects and, rarely, lactic acidosis, especially in renal impairment.

How serious is the interaction between Bictegravir and Empagliflozin-metformin?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glycemic control, renal function and signs of metformin toxicity. Consider limiting the metformin dose, particularly in patients with reduced eGFR.

What other medicines interact with Empagliflozin-metformin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Empagliflozin-metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Empagliflozin-metformin page.

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