Atazanavir + Ritonavir

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    • What type of medicine is this?

    • Atazanavir + Ritonavir is an anti-HIV medicine, known as a protease inhibitor. It is used as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy in treating HIV.

      It is a prescription-only medicine.

    • What is the medicine used for?

    • Atazanavir + Ritonavir (also known as atazanavir/r) are two medicines combined in one tablet. Both medicines are anti-HIV drugs, but when combined are much more active than when used individually. It is used with other HIV medicines as the second drug of choice after the first treatment has failed.

      Atazanavir/r is safe and effective in the treatment of HIV. Commonly reported side-effects may include jaundice, fever, rashes and premature labour.

      You should tell your healthcare provider if you are using rifampicin or nevirapine. Do not use atazanavir/r if you had a previous rash when using it or have severe liver disease.

    • How to take this medicine?

      • Atazanavir/r comes in form of tablets- 300mg/100mg tablets. It is taken once a day with food. It is not recommended for use in children younger than 3 months old.
      • Take this medicine around the same time every day so that you will not forget.
      • Swallow the whole tablet. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
      • Do not drink alcohol or herbal drinks when using this medicine.
      • If you miss a dose, use it when you remember. Do not use two doses at the same time. Missing doses increases the amount of the virus in your blood and the virus may not respond to the drug treatment again.
      • If you use more than the amount required, seek medical attention immediately.

    • What are the side-effects?

    • This medicine is a very effective antiviral medicine. Some side-effects include:

      • Jaundice.
      • Fever.
      • Rash. If the rash gets worse, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
      • You may have increased cholesterol levels.
      • Frequent loose stools.
      • Premature labour.
      • In severe cases, liver problems and muscle weakness may develop.

    • What to know before taking this medicine?

      • If you have any medical conditions like liver problems and high fat levels in your blood, inform your healthcare provider before you use this medicine.
      • Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines including herbal medicines. It may cause some other medicines not to work.
      • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your healthcare provider.
      • Use this medicine every day. If not, the virus may not respond to the treatment anymore.