MedlinePlus Drug Information: Atazanavir

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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

Atazanavir

(at a za na' veer)

Brand name(s): Reyataz®

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

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.

How should this medicine be used?

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.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking atazanavir,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to atazanavir or any other medications.
do not take atazanavir if you are taking bepridil (Vascor); cisapride (Propulsid); dihydroergotamine (Migranal, D.H.E. 45); ergonovine (Ergotrate); ergotamine (Cafergot, Ercaf, others); indinavir (Crixivan); irinotecan (Camptomsar); lovastatin (Mevacor); methylergonovine (Methergine); midazolam (Versed); pimozide (Orap); proton pump inhibitors used for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); simvastatin (Zocor); and triazolam (Halcion).
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention amiodarone (Cordarone); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants (mood elevators) such as amitriptyline (Elavil ), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, others), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) and verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); cholesterol lowering medications (statins) such as atorvastatin (Lipitor); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); digoxin (Lanoxin); efavirenz (Sustiva); famotidine (Pepcid); medications that supress the immune system such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf); nizantadine (Axid); oral contraceptives (birth control pills); quinidine (Quinidex); ranitidine (Zantac); rifabutin (Mycobutin); ritonavir (Norvir); saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase); sildenafil (Viagra); and tenofovir (Viread). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
If you are taking antacids or didanosine chewable or dispersible buffered tablets (Videx), take atazanavir 2 hours before or 1 hour after you take these medications.
tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, hemophilia, or liver or heart disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking atazanavir, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or are taking atazanavir.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking atazanavir.
you should know that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body such as your breasts and your upper back.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Atazanavir can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar, call your doctor immediately:

thirst
dry mouth
tiredness
flushing
dry skin
frequent urination
loss of appetite
trouble breathing

Atazanavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
diarrhea
depression
cough
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
pain, especially in joints, back, or muscles

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

dizziness
lightheadedness
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
extreme weakness and tiredness
trouble breathing
weakness in arms and legs
numbness, pain, or tingling in arms and legs
rash
fever
yellowing of skin or eyes

Atazanavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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 emergency/overdose

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:

dizziness
lightheadedness
yellowing of skin or eyes

What other information should I know?

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

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer