Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Atazanavir
Other Names: Reyataz
Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Reyataz? (Back to top)
ATAZANAVIR is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• hemophilia
• kidney disease requiring dialysis treatment
• liver disease
• irregular heartbeat
• an unusual or allergic reaction to atazanavir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• certain medicines for stomach problems like esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole
• cisapride
• dofetilide
• etravirine
• lovastatin
• medicines for headaches like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• midazolam
• pimozide
• ranolazine
• red yeast rice
• rifampin
• rifapentine
• simvastatin
• St. John's wort
• triazolam
• zalcitabine
• ziprasidone

• antacids or buffered medications
• birth control pills or patch
• clarithromycin
• cyclosporine
• fluticasone
• indinavir
• irinotecan
• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• medicines for cholesterol like atorvastatin or rosuvastatin
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for erectile dysfunction
• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole
• medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine
• other medicines for HIV
• rifabutin
• sirolimus
• tacrolimus
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• blood in the urine
• dizziness
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination
• irregular heart rate
• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• pain in the lower back or side
• pain when urinating
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

• depressed mood
• diarrhea
• headache
• tingling or burning in your hands, feet or around the mouth
• trouble sleeping
• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. Women who can still have children must use a reliable form of barrier contraception, like a condom or diaphragm.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store tightly closed at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Dispose of unused medicines through community take-back disposal programs when available or place this medicine in an unrecognizable, closed container in the household trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:February 27, 2008

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