Question:

I am a 52 y/o male currently on a regimen of Truvada, Sustiva, Reyataz and Norvir and suffer from intermittent diarrhea. I have attempted to minimize this by increasing the amount of fiber in my diet.

I have heard that using a bulking powder containing psyllium husk can help counteract this as well.I have found a product like this that also contains Golden Seal and Black Walnut which is supposed to promote colon health and regularity.

I have not been able so far to find anything that would indicate a problem with these products and my meds. Do you think it safe to take?

Thank you so much for time and opinion.

Answer provided by:

Octavio Vallejo, M.D., MPH
Faculty, UCLA Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center

Dear Friend,
In your case I'd recommend only to use Psyllium (Metamucil), instead of the other combination that you mentioned. Since your diarrhea is intermittent Metamucil will help you in regularity and bulk. Also, try to identify when the diarrhea occurs, which food or drinks are producing it and try to avoid them when taking your medications. Caffeine is one of the main culprit when used with some antiretroviral agents.
I hope this helps.

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