ATAZANAVIR - ORAL (Reyataz) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

ATAZANAVIR-ORAL Index

atazanavir - oral, Reyataz

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GENERIC NAME: ATAZANAVIR - ORAL (A-ta-ZAN-a-vir)

BRAND NAME(S): Reyataz

USES: This drug is used in combination with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV disease complications (e.g., new infections, cancer). Atazanavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. Atazanavir is not a cure for HIV infection, and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (e.g., sharing used needles).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking atazanavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.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.The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). You may also be directed by your doctor to take ritonavir with this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.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.Also, other acid-lowering medications for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers (e.g., prescription or over-the-counter medications such as famotidine, omeprazole) may prevent your HIV drugs from working. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use these medications safely.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.

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.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.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.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), change in heart rhythm, dizziness, lightheadedness, severe nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, extreme weakness (especially in arms and legs), trouble breathing, signs of a kidney stone (e.g., pain in side/back/abdomen, painful urination, blood in the urine).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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.Atazanavir can commonly cause a mild/moderate rash that may not be serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop any rash.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.