Interaction between Stribild and alcohol is not studied. This does not mean interaction cannot exist. Alcohol is known to contribute to major side effects resulting from the use of Stribild. Do not co-administer these substances without approval from a medical specialist.
Stribild is a highly potent anti-HIV med containing 4 medicines in a fixed-dose regimen. This tab is used to control the spread of HIV in the patient’s body. It inhibits the virus enzyme responsible for replicating the virus and prevents it from making more copies. As a potent drug, it suppresses the viral load count, boosts the CD4+ cell count and strengthens the immune function.
Stribild is a complex HIV medicine administered alone without the addition of other ARVs. Its active substances include: elvitegravir which is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor, cobicistat (a protease inhibitor) which acts as a booster, emtricitabine and tenofovir are both NRTIs [1].
This drug is also potent in disease prevention after exposure (HIV post-exposure prophylaxis) [2].
Interaction with alcohol has not been assessed. Nonetheless, alcohol is known to contribute to adverse health effects when used in moderate or excess dosage.
Drinking too much alcohol weakens the immune system, making it unable to fight any external opportunistic infection as well as other HIV-related infections. Also, with the result of weaker immune function, there is an increase in experiencing more negative effects from HIV medications [3].
Stribild can cause adverse liver injuries due to the presence of tenofovir-DF [4]. Before co-administering, it’s necessary to assess the patient’s health including testing blood for the presence of liver problems. In the same way, alcohol has a major effect on the liver.
Usage of these two products at the same time is not recommended [5]. Patients with liver or hepatotoxicity problems, or diagnosed with HBV or HCV and consuming alcohol can experience speeding up or worsening of liver damage.
Your health is paramount and it’s beneficial to treat the virus and build a stronger immune function without causing adverse effects to your health. While under this medication, always get assistance and the right prescription from a medical specialist.