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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Reyataz and Equivalent

Reyataz Information

Reyataz (Atazanavir) is used in the management of HIV-1 infection, a viral infection that gradually weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 T-cells, leaving the body prone to life-threatening diseases and certain cancers. It is always used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs such as ritonavir, as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen. Its active ingredient is atazanavir, which belongs to a class of medications known as protease inhibitors. Atazanavir works by blocking an enzyme called HIV-1 protease, which the virus needs to cut up long protein chains into smaller, functional pieces. By inhibiting this crucial step, the drug prevents the virus from assembling new, mature, and infectious particles. This process slows the spread of the virus within the body, which helps to reduce the overall viral load in the bloodstream and allows the patient's immune system to begin recovering. While Reyataz does not cure HIV, it plays a key role in long-term control of the disease. It also enables people living with HIV to maintain better health and quality of life.

Reyataz Side Effects

Some mild side effects of this medicine include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn, nausea or vomiting (infrequent), body rash, itchiness, and trouble sleeping. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Abnormal/irregular heartbeat;
• Fever, chill, rigor, cough, body rash, and other symptoms of immune system changes;
• Gallstones with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain;
• High blood sugar with symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst;
• Kidney stones with symptoms like pain in your side, blood in urine, and pain when urinating;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, darkened urine, light-coloured stools, nausea, and vomiting;
• Unexplained muscle pain and weakness

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Reyataz Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to atazanavir, the inactive ingredients in Reyataz, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome;
• Bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
• Diabetes;
• Gallstones;
• High blood pressure;
• High cholesterol levels in the blood;
• Heart disease, including heart rhythm and heart attack;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease, including viral hepatitis;
• Obesity

Do not drive or operate machines if you feel tired, sleepy, or dizzy after taking this medicine. Consult your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy. Women with HIV should not breastfeed because of the risk of passing HIV to the baby. Hormonal contraceptives may not work well during treatment with this medicine. Therefore, talk to your healthcare provider about other effective and suitable forms of birth control. Reyataz capsule is not recommended for use in individuals weighing less than 15 kg or younger than 6 years. This antiretroviral medication may interact with other drugs or substances, such as alfuzosin, apixaban, ergotamine, pimozide, simvastatin, and triazolam. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Reyataz to prevent potential drug interactions.

Reyataz is available in capsule form, which should be taken orally, preferably with food. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you, taking into account your age, weight, and other relevant factors. Do not open, crush, or chew the capsules; swallow each capsule whole with plenty of water. Avoid taking antacids and similar medications within 2 hours of taking Reyataz. It is essential to take Reyataz at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in the body. Do not exceed the daily prescribed dose. Refer to the leaflet included in the medication pack for additional usage instructions. Store at 25°C in a cool, dry place, keeping it away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Reyataz?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Reyataz.