Atazanavir/Cobicistat Oral Tablet (ATAZANAVIR/COBICISTAT - ORAL)

Atazanavir/Cobicistat Oral Tablet (ATAZANAVIR/COBICISTAT - ORAL)

For HIV.

Brand Name(s): Evotaz

Generic Name: Atazanavir/Cobicistat

Instructions

Take the medicine with food.

If you are also taking ritonavir, take the ritonavir dose right after this medicine.

This medicine is usually combined with another medicine to treat your condition.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

This medicine does not stop the spread of viruses that are passed through the blood or during sex.

Always use condoms during sex.

Do not share needles or other personal objects such as shavers or toothbrushes.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

Do not take antacids 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking this medicine.

Medicines that lower stomach acid (used to treat indigestion, heartburn or ulcers) may prevent this medicine from working properly.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine has been associated with a rare but serious skin rash. If you notice any red, peeling or blistered skin, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems and heart attack. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine may affect areas where fat is stored in the body. This may change your body shape.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Contact your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • nausea

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • decreased appetite
  • wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • chest or jaw pain
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • irritability
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • loss of movement anywhere on the body
  • muscle weakness
  • joint or muscle pain
  • nervousness
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty speaking
  • stomach pain
  • difficulty swallowing
  • sweating
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • persistent or unusual thirst
  • increased urinary frequency
  • cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
  • vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • unexpected or extreme weight loss

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.