Bitter Melon - Biktarvy (Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide) Interaction

Interaction Details

Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide is classified as belonging to the following category: P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, bitter melon might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Bitter melon might inhibit the p-glycoprotein (P-gp) intestinal pump and increase intracellular levels of P-gp substrates. In vitro research in intestinal cells shows that 1-monopalmitin, a constituent of bitter melon, increases levels of daunomycin, a P-gp substrate. Additionally, drinking bitter melon juice has been associated with a case of acute pancreatitis in a patient who had been taking pazopanib, a P-gp substrate, for 8 years. Researchers theorize that inhibition of P-gp led to increased levels of pazopanib, resulting in pazopanib-induced pancreatitis.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

References

• Konishi T, Satsu H, Hatsugai Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of a bitter melon extract on the P-glycoprotein activity in intestinal Caco-2 cells. Br J Pharmacol. 2004;143(3):379-87.
• Unsal O, Sütcüoglu O, Yazici O. Dangerous interaction of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) with pazopanib: a case of acute pancreatitis. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022;28(2):486-8.

Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Overview

• The combination of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir AF is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in certain adults and children weighing at least 55 pounds (25 kg) who have not received antiretroviral treatment in the past or who have been stable on other antiretroviral treatment(s). Bictegravir is in a class of medications called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). Emtricitabine and tenofovir AF are in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The combination of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir AF works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the body. Although bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir AF will not cure HIV, these medications may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of getting or transmitting the HIV virus to other people.

Bitter Melon - More Interactions

Bitter Melon interacts with 274 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.