Will HIV Medications (Efavirenz) Affect Marijuana Drug Test Results?

Being diagnosed with the HIV virus can bring a flood of concerns to your mind. Questions about how it might affect your relationships, work, and overall health are natural. One important aspect to consider is what to expect from HIV therapy and whether the medications used might affect drug test results, potentially impacting job prospects or similar opportunities.

Standard Drug Tests

Employers and government agencies often conduct drug tests to rule out a history of drug abuse. These tests come in various panels, such as 5 panel tests, 10 panel tests, and 15 panel tests. All of these panels include screening for the psychoactive compound in marijuana (THC). Typically, a urine sample is used, and if the THC level exceeds 50 nanograms per millimeter, it will be considered a positive test result for marijuana.

False Positive Results

A positive result for marijuana indicates recent or active use of the drug. However, there are instances when a test might falsely show a positive result, even if the individual has not used marijuana recently or ever in their life. This is known as a false positive result. False positives can occur due to various reasons, such as the test picking up a different metabolite that resembles the one being screened, passive smoking, mixed samples, or faulty test kits.

HIV Medication and False Positive Results

Some HIV medications have been associated with false positive results for certain drugs in drug tests. For instance, the ARV drug Efavirenz was previously linked to false positives in some screening tests. The study showed that Efavirenz could lead to false positive results for benzodiazepines, a class of drugs that includes medications like Valium and Lorazepam. This means that Efavirenz may cause issues with test screening for benzodiazepines.

However, recent evidence from a study conducted by the International University of Medicine in Malaysia found no positive correlation between Efavirenz and false positive marijuana test results. This means Efavirenz does not cause false positive results for marijuana tests.

Marinol and THC Testing

Marinol, a drug containing synthetic THC, is prescribed to HIV patients to alleviate pain and loss of appetite. Since Marinol contains synthetic THC, it can lead to a positive result in marijuana tests. This is not considered a false positive since THC is indeed present in Marinol. If you are taking Marinol, it is essential to inform the lab conducting the drug test and provide a valid prescription for verification.

Protecting Your Privacy

In some cases, you may have to disclose your HIV status while declaring your ARV regimen, which could be relevant to a false negative drug test result. However, disclosing your HIV status should not result in discrimination against you, as laws protect individuals from discrimination based on their HIV status.

Disputing False Positive Results

If you receive a false positive drug test result, it should not negatively impact your opportunities. You have the right to contest the results and request a repeat marijuana test. Be prepared to declare all medications you are taking and whether you might have been exposed to passive smoking. Some companies may ask you to pay for the repeat test yourself.

Remember that false positive results for marijuana are not uncommon and can also be caused by simple over-the-counter drugs like Ibuprofen.

Being aware of how HIV medication can impact drug tests and knowing your rights can help you navigate potential challenges and ensure fair treatment during the employment process.