Drug Interactions between atazanavir / cobicistat and Viekira XR

Atazanavir is often used with ritonavir (brand name Norvir) to treat HIV infection. However, since ritonavir is one of the components of your hepatitis C medication, you do not need a separate dose of ritonavir with atazanavir if you are also receiving paritaprevir. The important thing is to take atazanavir in the morning, since only the morning doses of your hepatitis C medication contain ritonavir. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to take your medications properly. Another concern with respect to using atazanavir together with paritaprevir is the potential for increased risk of developing excessive bilirubin levels in the blood, which in severe cases can lead to seizures and brain damage. However, in clinical trials, bilirubin elevations usually resolved with continued treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, as it may indicate too much bilirubin in the circulation. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Using atazanavir together with ritonavir may increase the effects of atazanavir. Contact your doctor if you experience increased urination or extreme thirst, severe pain in your side or lower back, painful urination, blood in your urine, easy bruising or bleeding, signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Cobicistat is a medication used to boost the effects of some medications that treat HIV infection. However, using cobicistat together with other HIV medications, such as ritonavir, may alter the blood levels and effects of both medications. Using ritonavir with cobicistat may reduce or increase blood levels of cobicistat. Reduced blood levels of cobicistat may make cobicistat less effective and may cause overall HIV treatment to be less effective. Cobicistat may increase blood levels of ritonavir which may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use these medications properly. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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Cobicistat may increase the blood levels of paritaprevir, one of the components of your hepatitis C medication. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects such as liver problems and excessive bilirubin levels in the blood, which in severe cases can lead to seizures and brain damage. However, in clinical trials, bilirubin elevations usually resolved with continued treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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