Cobicistat
Cobicistat Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
COBICISTAT (koe BIS i stat) is a medication booster. It is used with other medications to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to cobicistat, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 12 hours, then do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
alfuzosin
carbamazapine
cisapride
dronedarone
fosphenytoin
irinotecan
lurasidone
medicines for cholesterol like lovastatin, simvastatin
medicines for headaches like dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
midazolam
other antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS like cobicistat; elvitegravir; emtricitabine; tenofovir, etravirine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir; ritonavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir
phenobarbital
phenytoin
pimozide
ranolazine
rifampin
sildenafil
St. John's wort
triazolam
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
budesonide
bosentan
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, rifabutin
certain medications for anxiety or sleep like buspirone, diazepam
certain medicines for blood pressure and heart disease like amlodipine, carvedilol, diltiazem, felodipine, metoprolol, nifedipine, timolol, verapamil
certain medicines for cancer like dasatinib, nilotinib, vinblastine, vincristine
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychiatric disturbances
certain medicines for erectile dysfunction like avanafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
certain medicines for fungal infection like itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
certain medicines for hepatitis infection like boceprevir, simeprevir
certain medicines for seizures like clonazepam, oxcarbazepine
certain medicines for stomach problems like antacids, H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors
certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like rivaroxaban, warfarin
colchicine
cyclosporine
dexamethasone
female hormones, like estrogens and progestins and birth control pills
fluticasone
medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin, rosuvastatin
medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, mexiletine, propafenone, quinidine
narcotic medicines for pain like buprenorphine, buprenorphine; naloxone, fentanyl, methadone, tramadol
other antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS like efavirenz, elvitegravir, maraviroc
phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine
risperidone
salmeterol
sirolimus
tacrolimus
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.
Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing difficulties
dark urine
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
diarrhea
headache
nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
pain in lower back or side
tiredness
trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert