Cobicistat

Cobicistat is used to increase the amounts of atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz ) in adults and children weighing at least 77 pounds (35 kg) or darunavir (Prezista, in Prezcobix ) in adults and children weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kg) in the blood when these medications are used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Cobicistat is in a class of medications called pharmacokinetic boosters. It works by increasing the amount of atazanavir or darunavir in the body so that they can have a greater effect.

Cobicistat comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once a day along with atazanavir or darunavir. Take cobicistat with atazanavir or darunavir 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 cobicistat exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

It is important to always take cobicistat at the same time as atazanavir or darunavir.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking cobicistat,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cobicistat, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cobicistat tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• some medications should not be taken with cobicistat. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with cobicistat. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting cobicistat with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking cobicistat, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
• the following herbal product may interact with cobicistat: St. John's wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication before you start taking cobicistat. Do not start this medication while taking [cobicistat without discussing with your healthcare provider
• if you are taking cobicistat with atazanavir and you are also taking antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, others), take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after cobicistat and atazanavir.
• if you are taking cobicistat with atazanavir and you are also taking a medication for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers (H₂ blockers) such as cimetidine, famotidine (Pepcid, in Duexis), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine (Zantac), take them at the same time or at least 10 hours after taking the H₂ blocker.
• if you are taking cobicistat with atazanavir and you are also taking a medication for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers (proton pump inhibitors) such as esomeprazole (Nexium, in Vimovo), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, in Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (AcipHex) take them at least 12 hours after taking the proton pump inhibitor.
• you should know that cobicistat may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections). You will need to use another method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking cobicistat. Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medication.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking cobicistat, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking cobicistat.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

It is important that you take cobicistat, and all other medications prescribed by your doctor to treat HIV medication, every day and on a regular schedule. Missed doses may cause the medications to not work as well at treating the infection. Do not stop any of these medications without talking to your doctor.

Cobicistat may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:

• nausea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• rash
• decreased urination

Cobicistat 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 (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body's response to cobicistat.

Keep a supply of medication on hand. Do not wait until you run out of medication to refill your prescription.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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