Reyataz (Atazanavir)

Description

Reyataz (atazanavir) is a medication administered with other antiretroviral medications to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatrics who are 3 months old or older and weigh a minimum of 5 kg.

Directions

Reyataz comes in 150 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg oral capsules and a 50 mg oral powder packet.

The instructions that are on your prescription's label and in the package insert should be followed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Recommended Dosing

Treatment-naive adults:

• Take Reyataz 300 mg by mouth with ritonavir 100 mg by mouth once daily with food. 
• For patients who are unable to tolerate ritonavir, it is recommended to take Reyataz 400 mg by mouth once daily with food. 
• Take Reyataz 400 mg by mouth with ritonavir 100 mg by mouth once daily if taking efavirenz.

Treatment-experienced adults:

• Take Reyataz 300 mg by mouth with ritonavir 100 mg by mouth once daily with food. 
• Take Reyataz 400 mg by mouth with ritonavir 100 mg by mouth once daily if taking with H2RA and tenofovir DF.

Pediatric patients: 

• Body weight determines dosing with the Reyataz oral capsules. The dose should not be greater than the adult dose. Do not take on an empty stomach. 

Reyataz oral powder:

• Take it with ritonavir; do not take on an empty stomach. Do not use it in pediatric patients who do not weigh at least 5 kg.

Pregnancy:

• Take Reyataz 300 mg by mouth with ritonavir 100 mg by mouth once daily with food. 

Dose adjustments:

• The dose of Reyataz may require adjustment based on other medications, kidney function, and liver function.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Reyataz capsules and oral powder is Atazanavir sulfate, an HIV-1 protease inhibitor. 

Crospovidone, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate are the inactive ingredients contained in Reyataz capsules. Gelatin, FD&C Blue No. 2, titanium dioxide, black iron oxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide are the inactive ingredients that make up the shells of the capsules. The ink that is printed on the capsules contain shellac, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 2, isopropyl alcohol, ammonium hydroxide, propylene glycol, n-butyl alcohol, simethicone, and dehydrated alcohol.

Aspartame, sucrose, and orange-vanilla flavor are the inactive ingredients included in Reyataz oral powder.

Contraindications

Avoid taking Reyataz if you have an allergy to atazanavir or any of the other ingredients contained in Reyataz.

You should not take Reyataz with alfuzosin, amiodarone (if Reyataz is given with ritonavir), triazolam, oral midazolam, ergo derivatives, rifampin, irinotecan, lurasidone (if Reyataz is given with ritonavir), lovastatin, simvastatin, lomitapide, indinavir, cisapride, pimozide, St. John's wort, nevirapine, elbasvir/grazoprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and sildenafil (when dosed as Revatio). Ask your doctor if you have any questions about whether or not you take these medications.

Cautions

• Before beginning use of Reyataz, be sure to talk to your doctor about:
• Any allergies you may have
• Any medical problems or conditions you may have
• Medications you take
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Reyataz can induce problems with cardiac conduction and prolong the PR interval. Discuss your risks with your doctor.
• Reyataz can induce serious skin reactions. Immediately let your doctor know if you develop a rash or other skin reactions or conditions.
• Elevations in indirect bilirubin levels can be caused by Reyataz. 
• Patients who have phenylketonuria can be harmed by the phenylalanine that is found in Reyataz oral powder. 
• Liver injury or damage can be caused by Reyataz. If you have hepatitis B or C, you may be at risk. 
• Kidney problems can be caused by Reyataz.
• Kidney stones and gallstones can be caused by Reyataz.
• Diabetes mellitus and high blood sugar levels, immune reconstitution syndrome, and body fat redistribution or accumulation can be caused or worsened by Reyataz.
• Bleeding in patients who have hemophilia type A and B can be caused by the use of Reyataz.

Side Effects

Side effects of Reyataz include nausea, yellowing of the skin and eyes, rash, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, trouble sleeping, peripheral neurological problems, dizziness, muscle pain, diarrhea, depression, and fever. These are not all of the possible side effects that can occur with Reyataz. Immediately inform your doctor if you have troublesome or continuous side effects. 

Reference:

Reyataz (atazanavir). Princeton NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 2020.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....