Drug interactions
Metformin + Nelfinavir
Severity: Moderate
Metformin and Nelfinavir: 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
Protease inhibitors such as nelfinavir are associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which can reduce the effectiveness of metformin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metformin and Nelfinavir 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.
Metformin belongs to Endocrine; Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Nelfinavir impairs insulin-mediated glucose uptake, opposing metformin action.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose regularly and adjust antidiabetic therapy as needed.
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 Metformin
Other interactions of Nelfinavir
- Alfuzosin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metformin with Nelfinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Metformin and Nelfinavir 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. Protease inhibitors such as nelfinavir are associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which can reduce the effectiveness of metformin.
How serious is the interaction between Metformin and Nelfinavir?
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 blood glucose regularly and adjust antidiabetic therapy as needed.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin page.
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