Evotaz (Atazanavir/Cobicistat) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of Evotaz?

The most common side effects of Evotaz are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (jaundice)
• Rash (see below)

There may be other side effects of Evotaz that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Evotaz?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Evotaz are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Heart Rhythm Changes. Evotaz may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who already have heart disease or who take other medicines that affect the heart. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
• Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeat

Rash or Severe Skin Reactions. Evotaz can commonly cause a rash. Sometimes it can cause a severe rash or skin reaction, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS.

• Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
• Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
• Red, painful, watery eyes
• Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen if Evotaz is taken with certain other medicines. Evotaz may also affect how well your kidneys work and could lead to chronic kidney disease. Keep all appointments for blood and urine (pee) testing to check the health of your kidneys. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

• Reduced need to pee
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures

Kidney Stones. Evotaz may cause kidney stones. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent kidney stones. Tell your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your side or back, blood in your urine (pee), or pain while peeing. Your pee may look pink, red, or brown.

Gallbladder Problems. Taking Evotaz may cause gallbladder problems, such as cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
• Fever
• Pain in your upper stomach area
• Clay-colored stool (poop)
• Nausea and vomiting

Immune System Changes. When you start Evotaz, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection.

• Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Vision problems
• Confusion, problems talking, or headaches
• Skin problems, such as a painful rash or warts
• Cough or coughing up blood
• Weakness or coordination problems

High Blood Sugar. Evotaz may increase your blood sugar levels and possibly lead to or worsen diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood tests. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

• Thirstier than usual
• Peeing more than usual
• Increase in hunger
• Tiredness
• Feeling sick to your stomach
• Confusion
• Fruity-smelling breath

Fat Redistribution. Some people taking Evotaz have changes in how their body stores fat. You may get more fat around the belly, breasts, or upper back (buffalo hump). You may lose fat in your arms, legs, face, or butt. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Evotaz may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain
• Dark-colored pee
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)