Drug interactions
Orlistat + Tenofovir disoproxil
Severity: Moderate
Orlistat and Tenofovir disoproxil: 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
Orlistat reduces dietary fat absorption and has been associated with loss of virological control in patients on antiretroviral therapy. Reduced absorption of antiretrovirals is suspected, though the mechanism is not clearly established for tenofovir. Treatment failure and resistance could result if viral suppression is lost.
What this interaction means in plain words
Orlistat and Tenofovir disoproxil 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
Possible reduction of gastrointestinal absorption of antiretrovirals due to altered intestinal lipid content; mechanism not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor HIV RNA closely if orlistat is started in a patient on antiretroviral therapy. Stop orlistat if viral load rises and no other cause is found.
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 Orlistat
- Cyclosporine + Orlistat Major
- Cyclosporin + Orlistat Major
- Orlistat + Triheptanoin Major
- Amiodarone + Orlistat Moderate
- Beta carotene + Orlistat Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Orlistat Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Orlistat with Tenofovir disoproxil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Orlistat and Tenofovir disoproxil 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. Orlistat reduces dietary fat absorption and has been associated with loss of virological control in patients on antiretroviral therapy. Reduced absorption of antiretrovirals is suspected, though the mechanism is not clearly established for tenofovir. Treatment failure and resistance could result if viral suppression is lost.
How serious is the interaction between Orlistat and Tenofovir disoproxil?
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 HIV RNA closely if orlistat is started in a patient on antiretroviral therapy. Stop orlistat if viral load rises and no other cause is found.
What other medicines interact with Orlistat?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Orlistat with, for example, Cyclosporine, Cyclosporin, Triheptanoin. The full list is on the Orlistat page.
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