Atazanavir
Information about Atazanavir
Atazanavir uses
Atazanavir is used in the treatment of HIV infection.
How atazanavir works
Atazanavir is an anti-HIV medication. It works by interfering with an enzyme (protease), which is required by HIV-infected cells to make new viruses. This stops the production of new viruses.
Common side effects of atazanavir
Rash, Headache, Dizziness, Vomiting, Crystals in urine, Nausea, Abdominal pain, Indigestion, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Throat pain, Increased liver enzymes, Diarrhea, Blood in urine, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Cough, Taste change, Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), Increased triglyceride level in blood, Protein in urine
Content Details
Last updated on:
18 Feb 2020 | 05:21 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Atazanavir
- Atazanavir should be taken with food.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- Do not take antacids an hour before or two hours after taking Atazanavir.
- It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
- Stop taking medications (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) like sildenafil or tadalafil while on treatment with this medicine.
- Your doctor may check your liver function regularly. Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, loss of appetite darkened urine or yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice).
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Atazanavir
Atazanavir
Q. What is Atazanavir used for?
Atazanavir is used in combination with other anti-retroviral medicines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection
Q. Does Atazanavir cause hyperbilirubinemia?
Yes, hyperbilirubinemia (an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood) is a known side effect of Atazanavir.
Q. How does Atazanavir work?
Atazanavir belong to a group of medications called azapeptide HIV-1 protease inhibitor. It inhibits some viral polypeptides in the HIV-1 infected cells of the body and inhibits and prevents maturation of virus in the cells. Atazanavir does not cure HIV infections; it decreases the risks of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other HIV-related illnesses due to compromised immunity
Q. Does Atazanavir cause lipodystrophy?
Yes, lipodystrophy (changes in body fat - build up or loss of body fat) is a known side effect of Atazanavir