General English name: Atazanavir
Brand: Reyataz
Application: Acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children over 6 years
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Atazanavir Drug Information
Medication Information: Atazanavir is an antiretroviral drug. It is prescribed for Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). Atazanavir slows the process of HIV infection but is not a definitive treatment. The HIV virus kills cells in the body called CD4 cells. These cells are white blood cells and are important because they protect the body against infections. If HIV is not treated, the body’s immune system gradually weakens and loses its ability to defend itself against bacteria, viruses and other microbes.
Atazanavir belongs to a group of antiviral drugs called protease inhibitors (PIs). Atazanavir is given in combination with a number of other antiretroviral drugs (antiretrovirals). Taking several different antiviral drugs at the same time is much more effective for treating HIV than prescribing just one type of medicine. Combination administration also significantly reduces the risk of viral resistance to drugs.
Atazanavir slows the progression of HIV by reducing the number of viruses in the body. This process strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of HIV-related infections. This medicine can be prescribed by doctors who specialize in HIV.
Contraindications to the use of atazanavir
Pay attention to the expiration date of atazanavir and do not take it if your medicine has expired.
Never give Atazanavir to anyone else, even if you have the same symptoms.
Do not take atazanavir more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Check for drug interactions and be sure to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking.
Drug Interaction Atazanavir
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter medicines and herbal products) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications that may interact with atazanavir include: Chronic hepatitis C medications such as boceprevir, simeprevir, specific combination drugs for HIV (cobicistat), elvitegravine, emtricitab, emtric Tenofovir, indinavir, nevirapine.
Drugs that affect the elimination of atazanavir from the body and thus affect the function of this drug include: bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, specific rifamycins (such as rifampin), rifapentine (r ), Specific drugs to treat epileptic seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin).
If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications for heartburn, indigestion, or ulcers (including hydrogen blockers such as famotidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole) to reduce stomach acid, this Medications block the proper functioning of atazanavir. Therefore, consult your doctor in such cases
Atazanavir may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives such as pills, patches or rings. This can lead to pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about a reliable way to control pregnancy, and use an effective method (latex condom or polyurethane) throughout your sexual activity to reduce the risk of spreading HIV to others. Talk to your doctor if you have severe spotting or bleeding, as this may be a sign that your hormonal pregnancy control is not working well.
Tips to consider before taking atazanavir
Some medications can not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to know the following before taking atazanavir:
- If you decide to have a baby, if you are pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding
- If you have hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or liver disease.
- If you have diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes).
- If you have been told that you have a heart rhythm disorder.
- If you have a blood disorder called haemophilia or a disease called porphyria (a rare inherited blood disease).
- If you are taking other medicines. These include all available medicines, whether prescribed to you or your doctor, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you are allergic to any medicine
Possible side effects of atazanavir
All medications can cause side effects; But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away after a short time of taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed.
Complications that occur in 1 in 10 people:
Feeling sick, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, headache, tiredness and dizziness, skin rash, liver dysfunction, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Important Note: Atazanavir causes kidney stones in some people. If you feel pain in your kidneys or when urinating, or notice blood in your urine, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms that you think may be caused by atazanavir.
How to store Atazanavir
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.