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Atazanavir sulfate This page contains recent news articles, when available, and an overview of Atazanavir sulfate but does not offer medical advice. You should contact your physician with regard to any health issues or concerns. Why is Atazanavir sulfate prescribed? [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Atazanavir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Atazanavir is in a class of medications called HIV protease inhibitors. It works by preventing the spread of HIV in the body. Atazanavir does not cure HIV and may not prevent you from developing HIV related illnesses. Atazanavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people. Recent news articles mentioning Atazanavir sulfate [an error occurred while processing this directive]How should Atazanavir sulfate be used? [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Atazanavir comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with a meal or snack. To help you remember to take atazanavir, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take atazanavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You will take other medications for HIV while you are taking atazanavir. Your doctor will tell you whether these medications should be taken at the same time as atazanavir, or several hours before or after you take atazanavir. Follow this schedule carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the times you should take your medications. Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or open them. Atazanavir controls HIV but does not cure it. Continue to take atazanavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking atazanavir without talking to your doctor. If you miss doses or stop taking atazanavir, your condition may become more difficult to treat. Other uses for Atazanavir sulfate [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Before taking ibandronate, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibandronate or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ibandronate tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) cancer chemotherapy; and oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. if you are taking any oral medications, including supplements, vitamins, or antacids, take them at least 60 minutes after you take ibandronate. tell your doctor if you are unable to sit upright or stand upright for at least 60 minutes and if you have or have ever had a low level of calcium in your blood. Your doctor may tell you not to take ibandronate. tell your doctor if are undergoing radiation therapy and if you have or have ever had anemia (condition in which the red blood cells do not bring enough oxygen to all the parts of the body); difficulty swallowing; heartburn; ulcers or other problems with your stomach or esophagus; cancer; any type of infection, especially in your mouth; problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums; any condition that stops your blood from clotting normally; or dental or kidney disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.Also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant at any time in the future, because ibandronate may remain in your body for many years after you stop taking it. Call your doctor if you become pregnant during or after your treatment. you should know that ibandronate may cause serious problems with your jaw, especially if you have dental surgery or treatment while you are taking the medication.A dentist should examine your teeth and perform any needed treatments before you start to take ibandronate. Be sure to brush your teeth and clean your mouth properly while you are taking ibandronate. Talk to your doctor before having any dental treatments while you are taking this medication. talk to your doctor about other things you can do to prevent osteoporosis from developing or worsening. Your doctor will probably tell you to avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol and to follow a regular program of weight-bearing exercise. What side effects can Atazanavir sulfate cause? [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Atazanavir can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar, call your doctor immediately: thirst dry mouth tiredness flushing dry skin frequent urination loss of appetite trouble breathing Atazanavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache diarrhea depression cough difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep pain, especially in joints, back, or muscles Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: dizziness lightheadedness upset stomach vomiting stomach pain extreme weakness and tiredness trouble breathing numbness, pain, or tingling in arms and legs fever yellowing of skin or eyes rash hives itching swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs difficulty swallowing hoarseness Atazanavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088]. Brand names for Atazanavir sulfate [MedMaster Patient Drug Information database] Reyataz®