An Overview of Reyataz (Atazanavir)

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Brand Name: Reyataz
Other Name(s): ATV, BMS 232632 (atazanavir), BMS-232632-05 (atazanavir sulfate)
Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors

What is atazanavir?

Atazanavir is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor (PI). It works by blocking protease, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

During the normal HIV life cycle, an HIV protein called protease cuts long chains of HIV proteins into smaller individual proteins. These smaller HIV proteins are then assembled with copies of HIV's RNA genetic material to make a new virus particle. Atazanavir stops HIV protease from cutting the HIV protein chain into the smaller functional proteins. Without the smaller proteins, the new virus particle cannot be assembled and the HIV life cycle is stopped.

Is atazanavir known by any other names?

Yes. Atazanavir is marketed under the brand name Reyataz. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 20, 2003, for use with other antiretroviral medication to treat HIV infection.

Does atazanavir cure HIV or AIDS?

No. This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and it does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Over time, HIV can become resistant to drugs used to treat it. When individuals develop resistance to a drug in a certain class (for example, PIs), they often become resistant to many or all of the drugs in that class. However, individuals taking atazanavir as part of their first anti-HIV drug regimen may still be able to take other PIs, even if they develop resistance to atazanavir.

Who should not take atazanavir?

• Atazanavir is NOT recommended for use in patients younger than 6 years of age.
• Atazanavir without ritonavir is NOT recommended for use in patients younger than 13 years of age.
• Atazanavir is NOT recommended for use in treatment-experienced pediatric patients who weigh less than 55 lbs (25 kg)

What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take atazanavir?

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to azatanavir sulfate or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects. Certain medications must not be used while you are taking atanazavir. Serious life-threatening side effects could occur.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking atazanavir, call your doctor because only he/she can determine if the benefits of taking atazanvir outweigh the potential risks to your developing baby.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking atazanavir.

How should I take atazanavir?

• Always take this medication as your doctor instructs. Atazanavir is taken by mouth, with food, and it is always used with other antiretroviral medicines. Atazanavir capsules should be swallowed whole and should not be opened.
• Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
• Keep a written list of all the prescription medicines (such as atazanavir) and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, and any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important to carry this information with you in case of emergencies.
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Atazanavir should be taken with food.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is within 6 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What are the possible life-threatening or severe side effects of atazanavir?

The following LIFE-THREATENING or SEVERE side effects have been reported with atazanavir. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Severe rash. If you develop a rash and experience any of the following symptoms, stop using atazanavir and call your healthcare provider right away:

  Shortness of breath
  Ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
  Fever
  Muscle or joint aches
  Red or inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
  Blisters
  Mouth sores
  Swelling of your face

What are the possible serious side effects of atazanavir?

The following SERIOUS side effects have been reported with atazanavir:

• Heart rhythm (heart beat) changes. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop dizziness or feel lightheaded.
• Diabetes and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). New cases of diabetes and worsening of already existing diabetes has been reported in patients taking protease inhibitors, such as atazanavir. In some instances, diabetic ketoacidosis (a potentially severe complication of diabetes) has occurred. Some patients may require changes in their diabetes medicine.
• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage). If you have liver disease including hepatitis B or C, your liver disease may get worse when you taking antiretroviral medicine such as atazanavir.
• Hemophilia (a bleeding disorder). Increased bleeding problems may occur with protease inhibitors such as atazanavir.
• Hyperbilirubinemia (an abnormally high amount of bilirubin in the blood). Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Kidney stones. If you develop any of the following signs or symptoms, tell your healthcare provider right away:

Pain in your side
Blood in your urine
Pain upon urination
Abnormal urine color

• Gallbladder disorders. Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation have occurred in patients taking atazanavir.