Atazanavir (As Sulfate) And Ritonavir Tablets

Who is this for?

Atazanavir/Ritonavir is a combination of two antiretroviral (anti-HIV) medicines used together — atazanavir fights HIV directly while ritonavir boosts the level of atazanavir in your body so it works better and longer.

Is Atazanavir; safe to take with another drug?

Take one tablet (300 mg/100 mg) once daily with food — food helps your body absorb it properly. Swallow whole with water. Take it at the same time every day to keep the drug level steady in your blood. Do not skip doses or stop taking it without your doctor's approval.

If you miss a dose and it is less than 12 hours late, take it immediately with food. If it is more than 12 hours late, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for it.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (this is common and usually not dangerous but tell your doctor)
• nausea or stomach upset
• headache
• diarrhea
• skin rash

Do not take with efavirenz or certain TB medicines like rifampicin as they can reduce its effectiveness — always tell your doctor about any TB treatment. Avoid taking with antacids or acid-reducing medicines (like omeprazole) at the same time as they reduce absorption — separate by at least 12 hours or ask your doctor. Alcohol can worsen liver side effects, so reduce or avoid alcohol while on this medicine.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed and always keep away from children.