HIV medication and steroid injection interaction

Hidden Risks: How HIV Meds Can Clash with Common Steroid Injections

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncovering the Link Between HIV Treatments and Adrenal Problems"

Modern HIV treatment has come a long way, turning what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition. Combination therapies like Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine (EVG/c/TDF/FTC), marketed as Stribild, have revolutionized care. These once-daily pills simplify complex regimens, helping people with HIV live longer, healthier lives.

However, these powerful medications aren't without their challenges. One major concern is the potential for drug interactions. Because these drugs affect how the body processes other medications, combining them can sometimes lead to unexpected and harmful side effects. It's like a delicate dance inside your body, and sometimes, the steps don't quite match.

Now, a recent case study shines a light on a less-known but important risk: the interaction between HIV medications like Stribild and common steroid injections, such as triamcinolone. This interaction can potentially lead to adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough vital hormones. Let's explore this connection and what it means for you.

What is Adrenal Insufficiency and Why Does It Matter?

HIV medication and steroid injection interaction

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when your adrenal glands, small organs located above your kidneys, don't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps regulate your body's response to stress, manages blood sugar, and reduces inflammation, while aldosterone helps control blood pressure and maintain the balance of sodium and potassium in your blood. When these hormones are deficient, it can lead to various health issues.

Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can be vague and easily overlooked, but they can include:

Fatigue and weakness
Weight loss
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Muscle and joint pain
Depression and irritability
Craving for salty foods

In severe cases, adrenal insufficiency can lead to an adrenal crisis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an adrenal crisis include severe dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Protecting Your Health: What You Need to Know

The key takeaway is to be proactive and informed. Make sure your healthcare providers are aware of all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and any injections you receive. Don't hesitate to ask questions about potential drug interactions and side effects. By working together with your medical team, you can minimize your risk and stay on the path to good health. Modern medicine offers incredible tools, but understanding how they work together is crucial for your well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/2325957417729748, Alternate LINK

Title: Iatrogenic Adrenal Insufficiency Secondary To Combination Therapy With Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine And Interlaminar Triamcinolone Injection In An Aids Patient

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC)

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Chanie Wassner, Sutapa Maiti, Kurt Kodroff, Henry Cohen

Published: 2017-09-12

Everything You Need To Know

What is Stribild, and why is it important to understand its potential interactions with other medications?

Stribild, containing Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine (EVG/c/TDF/FTC), is a combination drug used to treat HIV. It simplifies treatment by combining multiple medications into a once-daily pill. However, Stribild can interact with other medications, potentially causing harmful side effects because it affects how the body processes these drugs. The interaction between Stribild and steroid injections like triamcinolone can lead to adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal glands don't produce enough essential hormones.

What exactly is adrenal insufficiency, and what are the roles of cortisol and aldosterone?

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol regulates the body's response to stress, manages blood sugar, and reduces inflammation. Aldosterone controls blood pressure and maintains sodium and potassium balance. Insufficient production of these hormones can lead to fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, muscle and joint pain, and in severe cases, adrenal crisis, which is a life-threatening condition.

Why are steroid injections, like triamcinolone, a concern when taken with certain HIV medications?

Steroid injections, like triamcinolone, are used to reduce inflammation and treat various conditions. When these steroids are taken alongside medications like Stribild, the interaction can suppress the adrenal glands, reducing their ability to produce necessary hormones. This is particularly concerning because it can lead to adrenal insufficiency, where the body doesn't have enough cortisol and aldosterone to function correctly.

What are the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, and when should I seek immediate medical attention?

Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can be vague but may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, muscle and joint pain, depression, irritability, and craving salty foods. In severe cases, it can lead to an adrenal crisis, characterized by severe dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is crucial if an adrenal crisis is suspected.

What steps can I take to protect my health if I am taking HIV medications and receiving steroid injections?

To protect your health, inform your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and injections. Ask about potential drug interactions and side effects, especially when taking HIV medications like Stribild and receiving steroid injections such as triamcinolone. Regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare team are essential to minimize risks and maintain well-being.