Atazanavir (Reyataz) Uses and Dosage

What is Atazanavir (Reyataz)?

Atazanavir is an antiretroviral medicine used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus. It prevents the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body. This prescription drug comes as an oral capsule and as an oral powder. It has proven effectiveness and efficiency towards HIV-infected individuals, giving them a chance to live a quality life.

Atazanavir is sold under the brand-name Reyataz. It is used with other HIV medicines and should not be taken alone. In treating HIV, Atazanavir must be consumed according to the rule of ART. Antiretroviral therapy refers to a kind of treatment where two or more ARV drugs are used in combination in treating the HIV infection and stop the virus from replicating.

How does Atazanavir work?

Atazanavir is a part of a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors or PIs. This class of drugs stop an enzyme called HIV protease. It is a type of enzyme necessary for HIV to replicate. PIs like Atazanavir controls the development of the virus and slows down its replication process. This drug limits the viruses’ ability to make copies of themselves.

Incorrect usage of Atazanavir can lead to drug resistance. This is why following the rules of antiretroviral therapy is necessary. This treatment lowers the chance of HIV complications, which includes cancer and other infections associated with the virus.

Dosage

The right dosage of Atazanavir depends on a few factors. These include:

• Age of the patient
• Form of Atazanavir to take
• Pre-existing medical conditions, such as liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, kidney disease, kidney stones, diabetes, hemophilia, heart problems
• The severity and intensity of the health condition that Atazanavir needs to treat
• Weight of the patient

Take into account the following information with regards to the proper dosage that may be recommended to you by the doctor.

Adult Dose for HIV Infection:

Therapy-Naïve Patients

• Take one capsule of Atazanavir (300mg) plus Ritonavir (100mg)
• Take in combination with other ARV drugs

Therapy-Experienced Patients

• Take one capsule of Atazanavir (300mg) plus Ritonavir (100mg)
• Take in combination with other ARV drugs

Adult Dose for Nonoccupational Exposure:

• Take one capsule of Atazanavir (300mg) plus Ritonavir (100mg)
• Take in combination with other ARV drugs
• 28 days of therapy duration

Adult Dose for Occupational Exposure:

• Take one capsule of Atazanavir (300mg) plus Ritonavir (100mg)
• Take in combination with other ARV drugs
• 28 days of therapy duration

Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection (for Therapy-Naïve and Therapy-Experienced Patients)

(for oral powder)

• Children 3 months and older
• Atazanavir (200mg) plus Ritonavir (80mg) – Children weighing 5 to less than 15kg
• Atazanavir (250mg) plus Ritonavir (80mg) – Children weighing 15 to less than 25kg
• Atazanavir (300mg) plus Ritonavir (100mg) – Children weighing at least 25kg

(for capsules)

• Children 6 to less than 18 years old
• Take one capsule of Atazanavir (200mg) plus Ritonavir (100mg) – Children weighing 15 to less than 35kg
• Take one capsule of Atazanavir (300mg) plus Ritonavir (100mg) – Children weighing at least 35kg

Notes to remember:

Patients with known hypersensitivity to Atazanavir (both oral powder and oral capsule) or any of its ingredients should not use the medication. This could cause serious allergic reactions, complications, and other health problems that could be fatal to the patients.

Atazanavir is taken with food. To avoid health complications, following the prescription provided by the doctor is a must. Aside from this, it is also necessary to check the medication guide and instructions provided on the leaflet. In cases where you missed a dose, take it as soon as you can. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose to avoid two doses at one time. Above all, regular visits to your doctor will also help in controlling the disease and keep yourself posted about the progress of the treatment.

Aside from taking Atazanavir for treating HIV, there are other ways to decrease someone’s risk of acquiring an HIV infection. These include:

• Practicing safe sex. During sexual activity, always use protective barrier methods, such as condom or dental dams.
• Avoid using shared personal items. Contaminated needles or syringes may be the source of the virus.
• Prevent engaging in risky behaviours. Drug abuse or alcohol may lead to intoxication. Intoxication can sometimes result in unprotected sex and irresponsible use of injections.
• Get tested. It is necessary to know your status. Help control the spread of the virus by keeping yourself posted on your status.

Furthermore, while using Atazanavir, hormonal birth control methods may become less effective, such as pills, injections, vaginal rings, skin patches, and implants. To avoid getting pregnant while taking this medication, use the more effective birth control devices that use barrier techniques, such as condoms, cervical caps, contraceptive sponge, and diaphragm.

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