Drug Notes

Cobicistat (By mouth)

Cobicistat (koe-BIK-i-stat)

Increases the effects of atazanavir or darunavir to help treat HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may help slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Tybost

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment. You need to take cobicistat at the same time you take atazanavir or darunavir.
• Do not change your dose or stop using this medicine without talking with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist before your supply is low so you do not run out.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • If it has been less than 12 hours since you were supposed to take your dose, take the missed dose right away.
  • If it has been more than 12 hours since you were supposed to take your dose, wait and take the next dose at your usual time.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in the original bottle.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with cobicistat. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. You must avoid the following medicines because they could cause serious health problems, including death: alfuzosin, carbamazepine, cisapride, colchicine, dronedarone, indinavir, irinotecan, lovastatin, lurasidone, midazolam, nevirapine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, ranolazine, rifampin, sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension, simvastatin, St John's wort, triazolam, and ergot medicine (including dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine).
• If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, take it 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine. If you take other stomach medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist when you should take it.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause kidney problems, including Fanconi syndrome, when it is used with tenofovir.
• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, blood in your urine, lower back or side pain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017