KING ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS (ARVs). Be sure your health care provider knows if you are using St. John’s Wort.
However, most antidepressant drugs also change the blood levels of some ARVs. You and your health care provider should discuss the costs, risks, and benefits of different treatments for depression.
St. John’s Wort may also block the effects of birth control pills and may interfere with several other medications. Be sure your health care provider knows if you are taking St. John’s Wort while taking ANY medications.
St. John’s Wort is a flowering plant used for several health problems. It is mainly used to treat mild or moderate depression. It is active against viruses in the laboratory and in some animal studies. However, high doses of a purified extract used in human studies of its antiviral effect caused serious sensitivity to light.
St. John’s Wort interacts with the liver and speeds up the processing of some drugs, including protease inhibitors. Do not use St. John’s Wort if you are taking ARVs.
People with HIV may want to take St. John’s Wort to deal with mild or moderate depression, if they are not taking ARVs. Be sure your health care provider knows if you are taking St. John’s Wort while taking ANY medications.
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