Atazanavir under the trade name Reyataz is used for treating HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in conjunction with other medications. Atazanavir works as an HIV protease inhibitor. It acts by breaking up HIV reproduction by binding and inhibiting HIV protease that is the enzyme needed to constitute operational proteins in HIV-infected cells.
Drug Contraindications
Reyataz (Atazanavir) is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component in this medication. People should not take this drug if they are using particular benzodiazepines used as anti-anxiety agents or depressants or hypnotics or muscle relaxants, such as oral midazolam, triazolam. Other contraindicated medications include cisapride, medicines derived from ergots, such as ergotamine, specific inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase responsible for generating cholesterol (for instance, lovastatin, simvastatin), indinavir (trade name Crixivan used for treating HIV), irinotecan, nevirapine (Viramune), pimozide (the most frequently applied diphenylbutyl piperidine), rifampin (an antibacterial medication to treat tuberculosis), or St. John's wort.

Another case of contraindication is if you are ingesting voriconazole and if you use ritonavir (Norvir) in combination with Reyataz (Atazanavir). Talk to your physician or healthcare provider immediately if any of these conditions relate to you.

Usage Instructions

Make use of Reyataz as prescribed by your medical practitioner. Read out the prescription label on the medicine for correct dosing directions. An additional patient leaflet is supplied with Atazanavir. Discuss with your pharmacist if you have queries regarding this information.

Take Atazanavir orally with meals. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, squash, or chew up before getting down. Take the medication on a regular basis to derive the maximum benefit from it. Consuming Reyataz at the same point in time every day will help you memorize to use it. If you receive a proton pump inhibitor like Omeprazole (Prilosec) as well, it is advisable to take it approximately 12 hours prior to taking Reyataz.

If you also use an H2 antagonist (for instance, Cimetidine), have a discussion with your medico concerning how to take it with Atazanavir. If you also use a gastric antacid or dideoxyinosine (an antiviral medicine employed to fight HIV infection), you must take Atazanavir a minimum of 2 hours prior to or 1 hour subsequent to the antacid or dideoxyinosine. Confirm with your physician before you consume grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are still using Reyataz. Go on with this medication even though you feel in good health.

You should not miss any doses. In case you fail to take a scheduled dosage, take it as quickly as you recollect. If it is inside 6 hours of your subsequent dosage, pass over the missed dose altogether and revert to your normal dosing plan. Do not try to take two doses at a time. Raise any questions you may have to your medical professional regarding the proper usage of Reyataz.

Vital Safety Information

Atazanavir may induce wooziness or lightheadedness. These harmful effects may get worsened if you receive it with alcoholic beverage or specific medications. Use Reyataz with carefulness. Do not drive or carry out other potentially hazardous activities until you make out how you act in response to it. Atazanavir is not a remedy for HIV infection. Patients may yet suffer from maladies and infections related to HIV. Continue to be under the attention of your physician.