Amprenavir /Agenerase & Vitamin E Aler

Amprenavir/Agenerase &Amp; Vitamin E Alert

The new Glaxo protease inhibitor- Amprenavir contains 1,744 IUs of d-alpha tocopherol polyethylene or 1171 mg of vitamin E to increase bioavailability. The quantity of d-alpha tocopherol that is absorbed systemically from the drug is not known.

The daily value for vitamin E is 30IUs. Because vitamin E is a blood thinner it should be given cautiously with the anticoagulant prescription drug Coumadin (generic- warfarin).High dose vitamin E may increase the hypoprothrombinemic response and could result in hemorrhage Glaxo recommends not to give the 2 drugs simultaneously.

Patients taking the drug must be advised to stop any supplemental vitamin E. Among other blood thinners that are OTC are garlic, ginger, feverfew, gingko biloba, ginseng and aspirin.

Patients with lipid malabsorption, chronic cholestatic liver disease and other abnormalities of lipoprotein metabolism may absorb more alpha tocopherol from vitamin E TPGS.

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N Updated August 2000

Donna Tinnerello MS, RD,, CD/N is registered dietitian with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works in lower Manhattan at Cabrini Medical Center, the community and in private practice. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.