Reyataz (Atazanavir Sulfate) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Reyataz

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Reyataz

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REYATAZ®
(atazanavir sulfate)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) is an azapeptide inhibitor of HIV-1 protease.

The chemical name for atazanavir sulfate is (3S,8S,9S,12S)-3,12-Bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-8hydroxy-4,11-dioxo-9-(phenylmethyl)-6-[[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]methyl]-2,5,6,10,13pentaazatetradecanedioic acid dimethyl ester, sulfate (1:1). Its molecular formula is C₃₈H₅₂N₆O₇•H₂SO₄, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 802.9 (sulfuric acid salt). The free base molecular weight is 704.9. Atazanavir sulfate has the following structural formula:

REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) Structural Formula Illustration

Atazanavir sulfate is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water (4–5 mg/mL, free base equivalent) with the pH of a saturated solution in water being about 1.9 at 24 ± 3° C.

REYATAZ Capsules are available for oral administration in strengths containing the equivalent of 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg of atazanavir as atazanavir sulfate and the following inactive ingredients: crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate. The capsule shells contain the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, FD&C Blue #2, titanium dioxide, black iron oxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide. The capsules are printed with ink containing shellac, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue #2, isopropyl alcohol, ammonium hydroxide, propylene glycol, n-butyl alcohol, simethicone, and dehydrated alcohol.

What are the possible side effects of atazanavir (Reyataz)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased urination or extreme thirst;
severe pain in your side or lower back, painful urination, blood in your urine;
feeling like you might pass out;
easy bruising or bleeding;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and...

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What are the precautions when taking atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz)?

Before taking atazanavir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including Hepatitis B or C infections), heart problems (coronary artery disease, heart attack), diabetes, lipid problems (high cholesterol or triglycerides/fats), blood disorders, kidney stones.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether atazanavir passes into breast milk. Because breast milk...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 3/5/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.