How does ilex 15 interact with HIV medications?

Answer 1

Ilex 15 contains licorice (liquorice). Adverse reactions to licorice (liquorice) reported amongst HIV-positive people include: low potassium levels, muscle weakness and soreness, high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Additionally, as with many common health foods / nutritional supplements / natural remedies (such as grapefruit juice, aloe vera, borage oil, DHEA, ginko, St John's wort, milk thistle and valerian), there is a theoretical risk of an adverse interaction between anti-HIV drugs and licorice (liquorice).

If you are HIV-positive and thinking about taking Ilex 15 (or any other supplement) it is very important that you first speak to your doctor / pharmacist.