Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ATAZANAVIR - ORAL (ah-tah-ZAN-ah-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Reyataz
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication is a protease inhibitor and is used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
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. 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. 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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- ritonavir, Norvir -
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Read about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, prevention, transmission, facts, testing, research (vaccine), statistics and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
- indinavir, Crixivan -
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