Reyataz (Atazanavir Sulfate) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus »

HIV facts

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

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Reyataz Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atazanavir (Reyataz)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to atazanavir.

Do not take atazanavir together with any of the following medicines:

cisapride (Propulsid);
ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine);
indinavir (Crixivan)
irinotecan (Camptosar);
lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor) or simvastatin (Zocor)
midazolam (Versed)
pimozide (Orap);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);
St. John's wort; or
triazolam (Halcion).

The medications listed above can cause life-threatening side effects if you take them together with atazanavir.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using atazanavir, tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease, including hepatitis B or C;
kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis;
diabetes;
a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
a heart condition called "AV block"; or
if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but HIV can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant.

Your name may need to be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

Taking atazanavir while using birth control pills or patches can make the atazanavir less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking atazanavir

You should not breast-feed while you are using atazanavir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 3 months old.

How should I take atazanavir (Reyataz)?

Take atazanavir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Atazanavir must be taken with food. Swallow the capsule whole.

It is important to use atazanavir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store atazanavir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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