Action point

Be very careful about taking herbal supplements if you are on anti-retroviral medication.

Some herbal preparations, such as St John's Wort, decrease the efficacy of Efavirenz, a commonly used anti-retroviral medication in South Africa.

Traditional medicines such as Hypoxis hemerocallidea (African potato) and Sutherlandia frutescens (Cancer bush) have also been shown to interfere with ARVs.

For more HIV drug interactions, including prescription and over-the counter medications, visit HIV-druginteractions.org

Take a look at our HIV/Aids Centre for more information on managing your condition.