IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ATAZANAVIR - ORAL

(A-ta-ZAN-a-vir)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Reyataz

USES: This drug is used in combination with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. 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. It may be given with ritonavir, another protease inhibitor, to increase ("boost") the levels of atazanavir. This helps atazanavir work better.

Atazanavir is not a cure for HIV infection, and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).

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

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with food. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow the capsules whole.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. For children, the dosage is also based on weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are directed to take ritonavir with this medication, take them both at the same time.

If you are taking antacids or buffered forms of drugs (such as didanosine solution, didanosine enteric-coated capsules), take atazanavir at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after these medications.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

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