Atazanavir

GENERIC NAME: ATAZANAVIR - ORAL (ah-tah-ZAN-ah-veer)

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.

PRECAUTIONS
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including Hepatitis B or C infections), heart problems (e.g., atrioventricular block), diabetes, blood disorders, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether atazanavir passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: "ergot-type" drugs (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methylergonovine), triazolam, midazolam, pimozide, cisapride, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), bepridil, indinavir, certain "statin" drugs for cholesterol (lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin), St. John's wort, proton pump inhibitors (e.g., lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting atazanavir. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: sildenafil, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol), digoxin, warfarin, drugs for irregular heartbeat (e.g., antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone, lidocaine, quinidine), medicines for depression (tricyclics such as amitriptyline), immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus), H2-blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine), clarithromycin, irinotecan. Tenofovir can decrease the effectiveness of atazanavir (by decreased blood levels) when the two drugs are given in combination. This can result in a worsening of your condition. According to the manufacturer, adding ritonavir to the combination of atazanavir and tenofovir may be a treatment option. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness or lightheadedness.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take the missed dose if it is within 6 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this drug.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.