Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Atazanavir and Metformin: minor 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
HIV protease inhibitors can cause insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which may reduce the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. Atazanavir has relatively less metabolic effect than other protease inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Protease inhibitor-associated insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism opposes metformin's action.
What to do
Monitor glucose and HbA1c after starting or changing the antiretroviral regimen and titrate metformin as needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Metformin
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 Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atazanavir and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. HIV protease inhibitors can cause insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which may reduce the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. Atazanavir has relatively less metabolic effect than other protease inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glucose and HbA1c after starting or changing the antiretroviral regimen and titrate metformin as needed.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin page.
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