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Drug interactions

Orlistat + Tipranavir

Severity: Moderate

Orlistat and Tipranavir: 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

Loss of virological control has been reported in HIV-infected patients who took orlistat together with antiretroviral therapy. Orlistat may reduce systemic exposure to tipranavir, which could allow viral rebound and resistance to develop.

What this interaction means in plain words

Orlistat and Tipranavir 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 belongs to Miscellaneous; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Orlistat's fat-malabsorptive effect in the gut may reduce absorption of the lipophilic oral antiretroviral, although the exact mechanism is not established.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible, or monitor HIV RNA closely. Stop orlistat if viral load rises and the increase is confirmed.

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 Orlistat with Tipranavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Orlistat and Tipranavir 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. Loss of virological control has been reported in HIV-infected patients who took orlistat together with antiretroviral therapy. Orlistat may reduce systemic exposure to tipranavir, which could allow viral rebound and resistance to develop.

How serious is the interaction between Orlistat and Tipranavir?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, or monitor HIV RNA closely. Stop orlistat if viral load rises and the increase is confirmed.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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