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Drug Guide    A   Atazanavir

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   Atazanavir

Atazanavir
Oral


This medication is a protease inhibitor and is used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.


 
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Overview Photos How To Use Side Effects Precautions Missed Dose Drug Interactions

Atazanavir

Uses
This medication is a protease inhibitor and is used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Notes
  • This medication does not cure HIV.
  • Patients treated with atazanavir may continue to acquire "opportunistic" infections associated with HIV.
  • This medication also does not prevent transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood.Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function, bilirubin, lipid/cholesterol, EKG) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
  • Consult your doctor for more details.

Storage
  • Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
  • Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
  • Do not store in the bathroom.
  • Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose
  • Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness or lightheadedness.

How To Use
  • Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with food, or as directed by your doctor.
  • Do not crush or chew the medication.
  • Swallow capsules whole.If you are taking atazanavir and efavirenz, you should also be taking ritonavir.
  • If you are taking antacids or a buffered form of didanosine (e.g., chewable/dispersible buffered tablets), take atazanavir 2 hours before or 1 hour after these medicines.
  • If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed.
  • Do not stop taking it unless directed to do so by your doctor.It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Do not skip any doses.This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet.
  • Read it carefully.
  • Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Side Effects
  • Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, fever, or trouble sleeping may occur.
  • If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
  • Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: yellowing of skin or eyes.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: depression, increased urination or thirst, unusual bleeding or bruising.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in heart rhythm, dizziness, lightheadedness, severe nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, extreme weakness (especially in arms and legs), trouble breathing, signs of a kidney stone (e.g., pain in side/back/abdomen, painful urination, blood in the urine).Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs).
  • The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown.
  • Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect.An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions
  • Before taking atazanavir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including Hepatitis B or C infections), heart problems (e.g., atrioventricular block), diabetes, blood disorders, kidney stones.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
  • Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether atazanavir passes into breast milk.
  • Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

Missed Dose
  • If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
  • Do not take the missed dose if it is within 6 hours of your next dose.
  • In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
  • It is important not to miss doses of this drug.

Drug Interactions
  • Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
  • Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: "ergot-type" drugs (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methylergonovine), triazolam, midazolam, pimozide, cisapride, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), bepridil, indinavir, certain "statin" drugs for cholesterol (lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin), St.
  • John's wort, proton pump inhibitors (e.g., lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole), ranolazine.If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting atazanavir.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol), digoxin, warfarin, drugs for irregular heartbeat (e.g., antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone, lidocaine, quinidine), medicines for depression (tricyclics such as amitriptyline), drugs to treat impotence (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil), immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus), H2-blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine), clarithromycin, irinotecan, trazodone, fluticasone (inhaled through the mouth or nose).Tenofovir can decrease the effectiveness of atazanavir (by decreased blood levels) when the two drugs are given in combination.
  • This can result in a worsening of your condition.
  • According to the manufacturer, adding ritonavir to the combination of atazanavir and tenofovir may be a treatment option.
  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills.
  • You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication.
  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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