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ATAZANAVIR,RITONAVIR

This page contains brief details about the drug atazanavir,ritonavir, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Atazanavir, Ritonavir is an antiviral medication developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration for treating HIV-1 infection.

Mechanism of Action of Atazanavir,ritonavir

Atazanavir and Ritonavir are prescribed for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, a condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that targets and diminishes the strength of the immune system. As the infection advances, it progressively compromises the body’s immunity, rendering individuals increasingly vulnerable to various opportunistic infections.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Hiataz-R Tablet
AUROBINDO PHARMA LIMITED ₹2,005.00
Virataz R Tablet
HETERO HEALTHCARE LTD ₹1,945.00
Ritovaz Tablet
RANBAXY LABORATORIES LTD ₹0.00
Anzavir R Tablet
MYLAN PHARMACEUTICALS PVT LTD ₹1850.00

Uses of Atazanavir,ritonavir

Atazanavir and Ritonavir collaborate to suppress the protease enzyme crucial for HIV replication. By obstructing this enzyme, the medication halts the virus’s proliferation and dissemination within the body. Its primary function is to decrease viral load and impede the advancement of HIV infection.

Atazanavir,ritonavir Drug administaration and Dosage available

This medication is administered orally by prescription. Your physician will determine the appropriate dosage and treatment duration of Atazanavir and Ritonavir depending on your medical condition and other pertinent factors. Always adhere to your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication. You may ingest the tablet with or without food. Avoid breaking, chewing, or crushing the tablet; instead, swallow it whole with water.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Atazanavir,ritonavir

Warnings

Avoid using this medication if you have allergies to Atazanavir, Ritonavir, or any of its components. In the initial phases of treating HIV-1, some individuals might experience an inflammatory reaction to opportunistic infections, a phenomenon known as immune reconstitution syndrome. This can happen upon commencing treatment with this drug or other antiretroviral medications. It’s important to be aware of this possibility and to monitor for any indications of infection exacerbation or inflammatory symptoms. If you notice symptoms that concern you or if they linger longer than expected, notify your healthcare provider.

Some patients may experience prolongation of the PR interval. Exercise caution if you have a pre-existing conduction system disease or are taking other medications that could extend the PR interval. Additionally, individuals with advanced HIV might face a higher risk of increased triglycerides and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Those with a history of pancreatitis are at a heightened risk of experiencing it again while on this medication.

Precautions

Atazanavir and Ritonavir are typically not advised for people with liver impairment, as these drugs are mainly broken down by the liver. Liver dysfunction can hinder the proper metabolism of these medications, possibly leading to their buildup in the body and raising the risk of side effects. As such, caution is necessary, and alternative treatments may be explored for those with liver issues. Doctors will check liver function before and throughout the treatment, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions, including hepatitis B and C, or significant increases in liver enzymes. Hepatotoxicity, or liver toxicity, may occur with the use of this medication, often manifesting as asymptomatic elevations in indirect bilirubin, which is reversible when the medication is discontinued. The dose should not be reduced. If there is an increase in liver enzymes concurrently, your doctor will look into other possible causes.

This medication also contains lactose as an inactive ingredient. Lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, can cause symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain in individuals who cannot digest lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, it’s important to inform your doctor before beginning treatment.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Atazanavir, Ritonavir are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, fatigue, headache, fever, depression, insomnia, dizziness, and muscle pain.

Word Of Advice

To prevent the spread of HIV-1 infection, avoid sharing needles or syringes, which can transmit HIV-1 infections easily. It’s necessary for individuals who use injectable drugs to use sterile needles and syringes and never share them with others. Personal items like toothbrushes, razor blades, or anything with body fluids or blood on them should also be avoided. They should not be shared because HIV-1 can be present in blood and certain body fluids, and sharing these items could mainly transmit the virus. Do not have any sex without protection. It is necessary to practice safe sex using a polyurethane condom or latex to lower the risk of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
If you must remember to take Atazanavir, Ritonavir for the entire day, take your usual dose the next day. However, do not double-dose yourself. Do not store this tablet in a moist place like a bathroom cabinet or near the kitchen sink. Keep your tablet in a tightly closed container. Do not accept if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. This medicine was prescribed for your specific condition. Please do not use it for other conditions. Do not give this tablet to other people, even if they have the same symptoms like you have. It may harm them.

Frequently Asked Question

Contact the healthcare professional instantly if you experience any side effects while taking the Atazanavir, Ritonavir. They may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage the side effects or reduce the tablet dosage.
The treatment period completely depends on the specific condition and the individual patient. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the Atazanavir, Ritonavir if your doctor advises you to stop.
It is unknown whether consuming alcohol while taking Atazanavir, Ritonavir is safe. Drinking alcohol while consuming the medicine is generally not recommended as alcohol may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, associated with the medicine. Talk with your doctor for more information.
No, Atazanavir, Ritonavir should not be taken if you have lactose intolerance. This tablet contains lactose as an inactive ingredient in which the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. It can cause symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. If you have lactose intolerance, inform your doctor before starting this therapy.
Atazanavir, Ritonavir should be used cautiously in individuals with impaired kidney function. Dose adjustments may be necessary, and close monitoring of kidney function is important.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.