Drug interactions
Bictegravir + Ferrous sulfate
Severity: Moderate
Bictegravir and Ferrous sulfate: 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
Iron binds bictegravir in the gut and can lower its absorption, risking reduced antiviral activity and resistance. The effect is largely avoided when both are taken together with food.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bictegravir and Ferrous sulfate 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.
Why it happens
Chelation of bictegravir by polyvalent iron cations in the gastrointestinal tract reduces absorption.
What to do
Take bictegravir and iron together with food, or give bictegravir at least 2 hours before iron when fasting. Do not take it fasting at the same time as, or within 2 hours after, iron.
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?
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Other interactions of Ferrous sulfate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bictegravir with Ferrous sulfate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bictegravir and Ferrous sulfate 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. Iron binds bictegravir in the gut and can lower its absorption, risking reduced antiviral activity and resistance. The effect is largely avoided when both are taken together with food.
How serious is the interaction between Bictegravir and Ferrous sulfate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Take bictegravir and iron together with food, or give bictegravir at least 2 hours before iron when fasting. Do not take it fasting at the same time as, or within 2 hours after, iron.
What other medicines interact with Ferrous sulfate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ferrous sulfate with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Dimercaprol, Acetohydroxamic acid. The full list is on the Ferrous sulfate page.
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