Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Atorvastatin
Severity: Major
Atazanavir and Atorvastatin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Atazanavir, especially when boosted, increases atorvastatin exposure and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Atorvastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4 (and possibly OATP1B1), reducing atorvastatin clearance.
What to do
Use the lowest effective atorvastatin dose, or choose a statin with less CYP3A4 dependence such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Monitor for muscle symptoms.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporine Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Other interactions of Atazanavir
- Alfuzosin + Atazanavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Avanafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eplerenone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atazanavir with Atorvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atazanavir and Atorvastatin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Atazanavir, especially when boosted, increases atorvastatin exposure and the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Atorvastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective atorvastatin dose, or choose a statin with less CYP3A4 dependence such as rosuvastatin or pravastatin. Monitor for muscle symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Atorvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atorvastatin with, for example, Tipranavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Atorvastatin page.
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