Reyataz

What is Reyataz?

Reyataz, an antiviral medication, prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body.Reyataz can be used in combination with other medications for the treatment of HIV, a virus that is known to cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Atazanavir does not cure HIV or AIDS.Reyataz can be used by adults and children over 3 months of age and weighing at least 5 kilograms (11 pounds).

Warnings

Reyataz can interact with some medicines that may cause harmful or unwanted effects. If you take any of these drugs, your doctor may have to alter your treatment plan.

Before you take this drug

Reyataz should not be used if you've ever experienced a severe reaction to atazanavir.

Reyataz can interact with some medicines that may cause harmful or unwanted effects. If you are using:

• Alfuzosin;
• Cisapride;
• Irinotecan;
• Rifampin;
• Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• 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, or
• Sedative medicines: triazolam and oral midazolam.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Reyataz will be safe for you:

• Liver disease (particularly hepatitis B and C);
• Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
• Kidney stones, or gallstones?
• Diabetes;
• A bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
• Heart problems

Reyataz oral powder may contain phenylalanine. Inform your doctor if phenylketonuria is present.Reyataz may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, such as birth-control pills, and other birth-control methods, such as skin patches, vaginal rings, or injections. Use a barrier birth control method to prevent pregnancy when using atazanavir: a condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap.Use your medication properly to control infections. HIV can be transmitted to your child if it is not treated during pregnancy. You may need a different dose during pregnancy or for a few weeks after birth.Your name could be added to a registry if you're pregnant. This will allow the doctor to monitor the baby's reaction to atazanavir. Tell your doctor if you took Reyataz while pregnant. Your newborn may have yellow skin or white eyes.Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk.Reyataz is not recommended for children younger than 3 months and less than 5 kilograms.

Similar/related drugs

Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Zidovudine, Emtricitabine, and Atripla

How to take Reyataz?

Reyataz should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor.Please read all instructions listed on your prescription label carefully and adhere to them strictly.Reyataz should be taken in conjunction with other antiviral medicines and not alone.This medicine should be taken with food. Do not open, crush, chew on or break a capsule.Swallow it whole.While taking this medication, drink extra fluids to ensure that your kidneys are working properly.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Reyataz powder should be mixed with food or liquid and taken within one hour. Do not give the ritonavir to your child until after you have given the Reyataz mix.Your dose requirements could change significantly when switching the brand, strength or form of medicine prescribed to you by your healthcare provider. To prevent medication errors from happening again in future doses.

Atazanavir dosage is based on child weight. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose needed may change.Medical tests will be required frequently.Please read and follow all directions included with your medication for proper usage. All HIV-positive people should be under the care and supervision of a physician.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Keep the powder in its original package until you're ready to mix the dose.Use the mixture within one hour after mixing it with liquid or food.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take two doses at once.Take no more than one dose at any given time.Refill your prescription before you run out.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

This medicine might not stop your illness from spreading. Share razors and toothbrushes. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Even healthy people should never share syringes for drugs or medicines.

Side effects of Reyataz

If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat), or a severe reaction to Reyataz, such as a fever, sore throat, burning in the eyes, or skin pain or blistering, seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience:

• You may feel dizzy or faint.
• You may experience pain in the lower abdomen or back.
• Blood in urine, painful urination;
• High sugar-increased thirst and urination; dry mouth with a fruity odor; headache or blurred vision
• Liver and gallbladder issues nausea, vomiting, upper stomach pains, itching, fevers, dark urine, and clay-colored stools jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes).

Atazanavir can affect your immune system and cause side effects. This may occur even weeks or months after taking this medication. You should tell your doctor if:

• Signs that a new infection is present: fevers, night sweats, and swollen glands. Cough, wheezing.
• Problems with balance, eye movement, or speech;
• If you experience a feeling of weakness, prickly sensations, or loss of bladder or bowel control,
• Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)

Common Reyataz side effects may include:

• Fever;
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• Headache, muscle pain;
• Sleep problems (insomnia):
• You may experience numbness or burning in your feet or hands.
• Changes in the shape or location (particularly in your arms, legs, and breasts) of your body fat

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Reaching out to the FDA with any side-effect reports can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Taking certain drugs together can cause side effects and/or make other medications less effective.Atazanavir can interact with many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.