Herbal slimming formulations or remedies interact with antiretroviral therapy

Many slimming products are complex mixtures of herbs that contain organic compounds that may induce or inhibit drug metabolising enzymes (e.g. cytochrome P450) and drug transporters (e.g. P-glycoprotein). These interactions may reduce or increase serum antiretroviral drug concentrations. Subtherapeutic antiretroviral drug levels in patients lead to suboptimal viral control whilst increased concentration may lead to higher risk of toxicity.1,2 These products may also contain compounds that interfere with the absorption of the antiretrovirals.