Atazanavir (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to atazanavir.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Atazanavir is used together with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of day and in the correct order. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Capsule: Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open it.
Powder: Mix oral powder with food (such as applesauce or yogurt) or a beverage (such as milk, infant formula, water) as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. After mixing your medicine with food or liquid, use the mixture right away or up to 1 hour. Be sure to drink or swallow all of the mixture.
Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If your next regular dose is less than 6 hours away, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not open a packet of oral powder until ready to use it.

Do not use this medicine together with alfuzosin, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, indinavir, irinotecan, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, midazolam, nevirapine, pimozide, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John's wort, or triazolam.
Many other drugs can interact with atazanavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
If you also use an antacid or didanosine, take atazanavir 2 hours before or 1 hour after you take these medicines.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis), diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, hemophilia, or phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Heart rhythm problems
- Liver problems
- Increased risk of kidney stones or gallstones
- High blood sugar levels, a problem that could become permanent
Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. Infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, might start to have symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Blood in your urine, difficult or painful urination, pain in the lower back
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain
Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss

Last Updated: 1/27/2017