title: Possible Drug-Herb Interaction between Herbal Supplement Containing Horsetail ( Equisetum arvense) and Antiretroviral Drugs.
abstract: The use of alternative medicines, including herbs, is common among HIV-positive patients, even in those on antiretroviral treatment. Equisetum arvense, known as "horsetail," is mainly used for its diuretic properties. There are limited data about the pharmacological properties of this compound and the potential drug-herb interactions. The authors report 2 cases in which a possible drug-herb interaction may have led to virological breakthrough in patients who were maintained on the same regimen for many years, including lamivudine (3TC)/zidovudine (ZDV)/efavirenz (EFV) and emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir (TDF)/EFV, respectively. Therefore, a drug-herb interaction may be expected when these agents are taken concurrently. Until additional data are available, the authors advise clinicians to avoid this combination when possible.
authors.affiliation: 1 Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Cosme Argerich, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Ezequiel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cordova
authors.affiliation: 1 Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Cosme Argerich, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Morganti
authors.affiliation: 1 Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Cosme Argerich, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020829:Equisetum / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D041743:Herb-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: Equisetum arvense; HIV treatment; herb–drug interactions; horsetail