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Atazanavir

Generic name: atazanavir [a-ta-ZAN-a-vir]
Brand name: Reyataz
Dosage formats: oral capsule (150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg) or powder to be used for oral reconstitution (50 mg)
Class of drug: protease inhibitors

What is Atazanavir?

Atazanavir can be described as an antiviral drug that stops the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) from causing a spread in your body.Atazanavir is a component of other medicines for treating HIV, a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Atazanavir is not an effective treatment for HIV and AIDS.Atazanavir is intended for adults and children who are at least 3 months old and who weigh at least 5 lbs.Atazanavir is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.

Side effects of Atazanavir

Seek medical attention immediately when you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response (hives or breathing difficulties and swelling in your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or burn sensations in your eyes, pain in the skin, or red or purple itching that can cause peeling and blistering).

Atazanavir may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:

  • Abrupt dizziness (like the possibility of passing out);
  • Extreme discomfort in your lower stomach or back
  • Bleeding in your urine
  • High blood sugar: increased thirst, more frequent urine output, dry mouth smell, fruity breath, headache, blurred vision,
  • Gallbladder or liver problems gallbladder or liver problems: vomiting, vomiting, and stomach pain. Itching as well as nausea, dark urine stool that is clay-colored, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Atazanavir alters the immune system and could cause some adverse effects (even months or weeks after taking it).
Inform your doctor whether you suffer from:

  • Indications of a new infection: fever, night sweats, swelling glands, sores from a cold, cough, wheezing, weight loss, diarrhea;
  • Difficulties swallowing or speaking; difficulties with balance or eye movements;
  • Prickly feeling or weakness; an inability to urinate or lose bladder control; or
  • Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid), menstrual cycles, impotence

Common adverse effects of atazanavir can include:

  • Fever;
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
  • Headache, muscle pain;
  • Depression, sleep issues (insomnia);
  • Numbness, tingling discomfort, or burning in your feet or hands
  • Change in the appearance or shape of fat (especially on your legs, arms, face, and neck), as well as your breasts and waist.

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. Please report any side effects to the Food and Drug Administration by calling them on 800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Lamivudine, and

Warnings

Discuss with your doctor all the medications you are currently taking and all the ones you will begin or stop taking. A variety of drugs can be incompatible with atazanavir, and certain drugs shouldn't be combined.

Prior to using this drug

It is not recommended to make use of atazanavir in the event that you've experienced an extremely allergic reaction to atazanavir.Certain medications can trigger unwanted or harmful effects when taken in conjunction with atazanavir.
Your physician may have to alter your treatment plan when you take:

  • Alfuzosin;
  • Cisapride;
  • Irinotecan;
  • Rifampin;
  • Sildenafil (revatio is used to treat hypertension pulmonary in the lungs);
  • John's wort;
  • Antipsychotic medicine—lurasidone, pimozide;
  • Antiviral medicine: elbasvir/grazoprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, indinavir, nevirapine;
  • Ergot medicines: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine;
  • Heart rhythm medication—amiodarone, quinidine;
  • Medicine to lower cholesterol—lomitapide, lovastatin, simvastatin,
  • Sedative medicines—triazolam, oral midazolam.

Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:

  • Liver disease (especially hepatitis b or c);
  • Kidney disease (or if you're taking dialysis)
  • Kidney stones or gallstones;
  • Diabetes;
  • A hemorrhagic disorder like hemophilia
  • Heart problems.

Atazanavir oral powder could contain the chemical phenylalanine. Consult your physician if you are suffering from phenylketonuria (PKU).Atazanavir can cause hormone-based contraceptives to be less effective, such as birth control pills, implants, injections, skin patches, or vaginal rings. To avoid pregnancy while taking atazanavir, make sure you use the barrier methods of birth control, such as a condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap, as well as a contraceptive sponge.Speak to your physician if you are pregnant, and make sure you use the correct medications to manage your infection. HIV could be transmitted to your child if the virus is not managed during pregnancy. Your dosage requirements could differ during pregnancy and during the brief time following the birth of your child.If you're expecting and you are a registered mother, your name could be added to an inventory to monitor the effects of atazanavir on the infant. If you have taken atazanavir during your pregnancy, tell your doctor when your newborn baby shows an appearance of yellow in the skin or in the clear eyes.Women suffering from HIV or AIDS are not allowed to give birth to a baby. Even if the baby is born with no HIV or AIDS, the virus could be transmitted to your baby by the milk you give it.Atazanavir should not be administered to children who are less than 3 months old and weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg).

How do I take Atazanavir?

Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read all medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.Atazanavir is best administered in conjunction with other antiviral medicines but should never be taken on its own.Take atazanavir in combination with food. Suck each capsule in its entirety and don't crush or chew on it, break it, or even open it.Drink plenty of fluids to ensure that your kidneys are functioning correctly while taking this medication.Take note of and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you don't understand these directions.The atazanavir powder is to be mixed with liquid or food and consumed within one hour after mixing. You must give the ritonavir dosage to the child as soon as you finish mixing the atazanavir mix.Your dosage requirements could change when you switch to a different brand or strength of this medication. Be sure to use only the strength and form the doctor recommends.Atazanavir dosages are based on the weight of children. The dosage requirements for your child may be altered if the child loses or gains weight.You'll need to take regular medical tests.Make sure to take all HIV medication as directed. Also, review all the medication instructions you are given. Do not alter the dose or stop taking a medication without consulting your physician. Anyone suffering from HIV must be under the supervision of a medical professional.Keep it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Store this mix inside the container when you're ready to mix your dosage.When you have mixed the powder in liquid or food, store the powder at room temperature until you can take it out within 1 hour.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do the medication when you remember, and you can resume your normal routine. Do not take more than two doses at once.Refill your prescription prior to the expiration date of your medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Aviod this

Atazanavir is not a guarantee to stop the spread of your illness. Don't engage in sexual activity that is not protected or share toothbrushes, razors, or razors. Consult your doctor regarding safe methods to avoid HIV transmission through sex. Sharing needles for medicine or drugs is not safe, even for a healthy individual.

Interaction with other drug

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications in combination. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of the other drugs you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.A variety of drugs can impact atazanavir. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Not all interactions are included in this list. Discuss with your physician all your current medications and any other medications you are about to start or stop taking.

 

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Prescription only

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