Several HIV meds may have negative interactions with the hormones in the Pill (ethinyl-estradiol, or E-E):

PROTEASE INHIBITORS

  • Agenerase (amprenavir): may decrease E-E levels. Dose change? Consult your doc.
  • Crixivan (indinavir): moderately increases E-E levels in the blood. Dose change? No.
  • Norvir (ritonavir): significantly decreases E-E, making the Pill less effective. Dose change? Talk to your doctor about increasing Pill dose or try additional method of birth control.
  • Viracept (nelfinavir): same as Norvir.

NNRTIs

  • Sustiva (efavirenz): increases E-E by 37 percent. Dose change? Consult your doc.
  • Viramune (nevirapine): significantly decreases E-E, making the Pill less effective. Dose change? Talk to your doctor about increasing Pill dose or try additional method of birth control.

For more information, see the drug-interaction chart at www.projectinform.org.