Atavir 300 mg (Atazanavir)

Uses

Atazanavir is used in combination with other anti-retroviral medicines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection.

How it works

Atazanavir belongs to a group of medication 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.

Common side effects

Redistribution/accumulation of body fat, Cardiac conduction abnormalities, Asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia, Nephrolithiasis, Fatigue, Nausea, Headache, Abdominal pain, Dyspepsia, Vomiting, New onset or exacerbations of diabetes mellitus, Insomnia, Depression, Cholelethiasis, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Fever, Ocular Icterus, Immune reconstitution syndrome, Rash, Lipodystrophy syndrome, Myalgia, Liver toxicity, Jaundice

Expert advice

• Before taking atazanavir, inform you doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• Inform you, doctor, if you have or ever had any liver problems or liver disease including hepatitis B or C or kidney problems.
• Discuss with your doctor about necessary precautions to be taken to avoid spreading of HIV virus to others.
• Atazanavir should not be used in children who weigh less than 10 kg or who weigh 25 kg or more.
• Consult your doctor if you experience sudden or spontaneous bleeding.

Frequently asked questions

Atazanavir

Q. Is atazanavir safe during pregnancy? Atazanavir can be taken during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk. Q. Is it safe to use atazanavir during breastfeeding? Atazanavir should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. Q. How does atazanavir work? Atazanavir belong to a group of medications, 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. 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 lipodystrophy? Yes, lipodystrophy (changes in body fat – build up or loss of body fat) is a known side effect of atazanavir. Q. Does atazanavir cause hyperbilirubinemia? Yes, hyperbilirubinemia (an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood) is a known side effect of atazanavir.