PREGNANCY: Atazanavir has not been adequately studied in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: Atazanavir has not been adequately studied in nursing mothers. Scientific experts advise HIV-infected mothers not to breast-feed because of the risk of transmitting HIV to the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of atazanavir are rash, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and abdominal pain. Atazanavir may cause jaundice by increasing bilirubin in the blood. Some patients also may see an increase in blood glucose levels or an increase or redistribution of body fat. Changes in body fat may include increased fat in the upper back and neck (buffalo hump), trunk and breasts. In a small number of patients atazanavir may decrease heart rate. In a small number of patients a serious condition called lactic acidosis--a build up of acid in the blood--may occur. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include persistent nausea, vomiting, weakness and trouble breathing. Individuals with bleeding disorders may bleed more when taking atazanavir.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• 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 -

Read more atazanavir related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.