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Atazanavir-Cobicistat

Pronounced

"A-ta-ZAN-a-vir/koe-BIK-i-stat"

Common brand names:

Evotaz

Uses

This drug is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Atazanavir belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. Cobicistat is used to increase ("boost") the levels of atazanavir. This helps atazanavir work better.

Atazanavir/cobicistat is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking atazanavir/cobicistat and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Since this medication may cause kidney problems, drink plenty of fluids during treatment to lower your risk.

If you are taking antacids or buffered forms of drugs (such as buffered aspirin), take this medication at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after these medications.

It is very important to keep taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.