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How should I take atazanavir?

Take atazanavir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Atazanavir must be taken with food. Swallow the capsule whole.

It is important to use atazanavir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store atazanavir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What should I avoid while taking atazanavir?

Avoid using antacids within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take atazanavir.

If you also take didanosine, take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take atazanavir.

Taking atazanavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

What are the possible side effects of atazanavir?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• increased urination or extreme thirst;

• severe pain in your side or lower back, painful urination, blood in your urine;

• feeling like you might pass out;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms; or

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• numbness or tingling, especially around your mouth;

• joint pain;

• headache, mood changes; or

• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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