Atazanavir Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (ah-tah-ZAN-ah-veer)
Atazanavir Oral 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 Atazanavir Oral
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.
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.
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.
