Does Efavirenz Interact with Atazanavir?
CDI records a major classification for Efavirenz and Atazanavir. The stored summary is: Efavirenz decreases atazanavir concentrations. Not recommended for treatment-experienced patients; specific dosing with ritonavir required for treatment-naïve patients. The mechanism involves cyp3a and cyp2b6 induction. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Major
- Efavirenz Class
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Non-Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
CYP3A and CYP2B6 induction
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Efavirenz and your doctor is considering prescribing Atazanavir (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider