Question
When will I start to go yellow on atazanavir?
21 April 2011. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, HIV transmission, Side effects, Starting treatment.
My doctor has just put me on atazanavir ritonavir. I read in the medical pamflet that one of the side effects is increase in bilirubin. Does this increase manifest itself immediately or can it happen over time? Same goes for the yellowing of the eyes and the ‘sun-tan’ effect?
Thanks very much
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Just over 50% of people on atazanavir have increased bilirubin on lab tests. However, the majority of these people do not show any symptoms or yellowing of the skin. This slight increase will do no harm to your body.
Only about 10% of people have to switch medication due to high levels of bilrubin (hyperbilirubinaemia).
The increase in lab bilirubin levels happens within the first few weeks of starting treatment. However, those that do experience yellowing, the time frame can vary – some people see changes within the first few weeks of taking atazanavir, others can take it for several months before they start to notice any difference. Most people see no yellowing at all.
For more information please follow this link.
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