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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Atazanavir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Atazanavir is in a class of medications called HIV protease inhibitors. It works by preventing the spread of HIV in the body. Atazanavir does not cure HIV and may not prevent you from developing HIV related illnesses. Atazanavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Atazanavir comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with a meal or snack. To help you remember to take atazanavir, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take atazanavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You will take other medications for HIV while you are taking atazanavir. Your doctor will tell you whether these medications should be taken at the same time as atazanavir, or several hours before or after you take atazanavir. Follow this schedule carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the times you should take your medications.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or open them.
Atazanavir controls HIV but does not cure it. Continue to take atazanavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking atazanavir without talking to your doctor. If you miss doses or stop taking atazanavir, your condition may become more difficult to treat.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking atazanavir,
Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you are scheduled to take your next dose within the next 6 hours, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Atazanavir can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar, call your doctor immediately:
Atazanavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Atazanavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to atazanavir.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 04/01/2004
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |