There is a theoretical risk with oral semaglutide, since it can lower gastric acid secretion, which could potentially interfere with RPV absorption. The Liverpool HIV Drug Interaction site says, "Consider taking rilpivirine 4 hours before orally administered semaglutide. Note: food, beverages and oral medicinal products can interfere with the absorption of oral semaglutide. Therefore, patients must wait at least 30 minutes after taking oral semaglutide before taking any other oral medicinal product."
I suppose you could do all that, but it might be easier to just switch to a regimen such as BIC/FTC/TAF, where you don't have to worry about the possible interactions. You'll also be switching to a regimen with a higher barrier to resistance and no food restrictions.
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Joel Gallant, MD, MPH
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
AXCES Research Group
Santa Fe, NM
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-23-2026 16:46
From: Ryan Doyle
Subject: Oral semaglutide with FTC/RPV/TAF
I have a patient on FTC/RPV/TAF for HIV management who has been undetectable since 2017 on this regimen and no indication to change treatment given long-term stability. Patient has been on injectable semaglutide for weight management previously and did well with no disruption to HIV control while on FTC/RPV/TAF and injectable semaglutide. Now insurance is no longer covering injectable semaglutide and we are possibly pursuing oral semaglutide as a cheaper alternative for the patient. With potential absorption concerns of rilpivirine with a patient on semaglutide, I am curious if anyone has experience with this? I recognize there are limited studies (to my knowledge) regarding this specific scenario. Any insights are appreciated.
Thanks!
Ryan
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Ryan K. Doyle, DO (he/him/his)
rymed89@gmail.com
Grand Rapids, MI
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