Atazanavir - Benefits and Risks

Atazanavir is a protease inhibitor medication used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It works by interfering with viral protease enzyme activity, thereby inhibiting viral replication.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription drug available at pharmacies and healthcare facilities for HIV/AIDS management.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Atazanavir FAQ


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What is atazanavir used for?

Atazanavir, sold under the brand name Reyataz among others, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It may be used for prevention after a needlestick injury or other potential exposure (postexposure prophylaxis (PEP)). It is taken by mouth.

Does atazanavir cure HIV?

Atazanavir is in a class of medications called protease inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Although atazanavir does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer.

What is atazanavir (Reyataz)?

What is atazanavir? Atazanavir (brand name: Reyataz) is a prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children. Atazanavir comes in two different dosage forms: capsules and oral powder.

What is atazanavir (400 mg)?

Atazanavir is a recently approved human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor that has an important role in the treatment of both antiretroviral-naive and antiretroviral-experienced individuals. Atazanavir (400 mg) can be administered once per day and requires only 2 capsules.

Can atazanavir be used with other HIV medicines?

Atazanavir is always used in combination with other HIV medicines. For more information on the use of atazanavir in people with HIV, please refer to the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents with HIV and the Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Pediatric HIV Infection.

How effective is atazanavir therapy?

Atazanavir therapy is effective when used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. The high error rate of HIV polymerase leads to extensive mutations, fostering the development of antiretroviral drug-resistant strains. The administration of multiple medications addresses this issue by using at least 2 different modes of action.

Atazanavir References

If you want to know more about Atazanavir, consider exploring links below:

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