Atazanavir

Atazanavir should be avoided if you are allergic to it. It is contraindicated in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme or patients taking alfuzosin, triazolam, orally administered midazolam, ergot derivatives, rifampin, irinotecan, lovastatin, simvastatin, indinavir, cisapride, pimozide, as it can cause serious side effects. Hence avoid using this medicine under such conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, diabetes, or immune reconstitution syndrome on priority. Atazanavir should be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women only if recommended by the doctor. Atazanavir is not recommended for children below six years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. This medicine may cause dizziness; hence avoid driving or operating machines while taking Atazanavir.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Atazanavir may interact with alpha-adrenergic blockers (prazosin, alfuzosin), gastrointestinal medicine (cisapride), contraceptives (ethynyl estradiol, norethindrone), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus), antibiotics (clarithromycin), etc.

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have cardiac problems, liver or kidney disease, or diabetes.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Try to take lean protein and whole grains.
• Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
• Eat bland and low-fat foods, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
• Practise safe sex by using condoms; it helps in reducing contact with semen and vaginal fluids.
• Never share personal items with body fluids or blood on them, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
• Avoid sharing used needles, other injection or drug equipment.
• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhoea or syphilis.
• Try to reduce emotional and physical stress by spending time with your family or doing whatever makes you happy.
• Drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration. 

• Get an HIV test done at least every three months.
• Regular kidney and liver function and bone mineral density tests while taking Atazanavir are advised. 
• Regularly get blood and urine tests done while taking Atazanavir.
• Atazanavir may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with HIV infection or AIDS. So, people taking Atazanavir should be carefully monitored throughout the treatment.