Atazanavir + cobicistat

By /

    • What type of medicine is this?

    • Atazanavir/c is a highly active antiretroviral medicine made up of anti-HIV medication, atazanavir and a booster, cobicistat. Atazanavir blocks an essential enzyme in HIV to kill it. Cobicistat blocks the enzyme that removes atazanavir from your body, allowing it to have a greater effect on HIV.

      This medicine is used in combination with other drugs to treat HIV. You should only use this medicine when it has been prescribed a by a healthcare provider.


    • What is the medicine used for?

    • Atazanavir + cobicistat (also known as atazanavir/c) are two medicines combined into one tablet. This medicine is used in combination with other antiviral medicines to treat HIV infections.

    • How to take this medicine?

      • Atazanavir/c is available in the form of tablets (150/300 mg).
      • Take the tablet once a day with food. Swallow the whole pill. Do not crush or chew it.
      • Take this medicine by mouth around the same time every day.
      • Drink a lot of water when you use this medicine.
      • If you miss a dose, use it when you remember. Do not use two doses at the same time.
      • If you use more than the daily amount prescribed, seek medical attention immediately.

    • What are the side-effects?

    • Side-effects that you may experience when you use this medicine include:

      • Vomiting or the feeling of needing to vomit.
      • Dizziness
      • Skin rash and swelling. This happens if you are allergic to the medicine.
      • Fats get deposited in a specific parts of your body (e.g, around the waist or upper back).
      • In more severe cases, you may experience high blood sugar levels or liver problems.

    • What to know before taking this medicine?

      • This medicine cannot be used alone to treat HIV infections.
      • Inform your healthcare provider if you have other medical conditions like liver problems.
      • If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, inform your healthcare provider. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Do not breastfeed if you use this medicine.
      • Inform your healthcare provider if you take any other medicines, including herbal drinks.
      • Do not drink alcohol or smoke when you are using this medicine. Do not take herbal drinks.
      • Use this same medicine at the same time every day. This prevents the virus from becoming resistant to the treatment.