Brand Names: Reyataz

Generic Name: atazanavir (Pronunciation: a ta ZAN a vir)

• What is atazanavir (Reyataz)?
• What are the possible side effects of atazanavir (Reyataz)?
• What is the most important information I should know about atazanavir (Reyataz)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atazanavir (Reyataz)?
• How should I take atazanavir (Reyataz)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Reyataz)?
• What happens if I overdose (Reyataz)?
• What should I avoid while taking atazanavir (Reyataz)?
• What other drugs will affect atazanavir (Reyataz)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is atazanavir (Reyataz)?

Atazanavir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Atazanavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Atazanavir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Atazanavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Atazanavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Reyataz 100 mg

blue/white, imprinted with BMS 100 mg, 3623

Reyataz 150 mg

blue/light blue, imprinted with BMS 150 mg, 3624

Reyataz 200 mg

blue, imprinted with BMS 200 mg, 3631

Reyataz 300 mg

blue/red, imprinted with BMS 300 mg, 3622

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.

Stop taking atazanavir and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling like you might pass out;
• severe pain in your side or lower back, painful urination, blood in your urine;
• easy bruising or bleeding, signs of a new infection such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss); or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• headache, dizziness, depressed mood, sleep problems (insomnia);
• mild skin rash;
• numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;
• muscle pain; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about atazanavir (Reyataz)?

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

Before using atazanavir, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, hepatitis, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), diabetes, a bleeding disorder, high cholesterol, a bleeding disorder, heart problems, or if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.

Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Avoid having unprotected sex or sharing razors or toothbrushes. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.