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Virataz R Tablet
Prescription Required
Salt Composition : Atazanavir,ritonavir
Manufacturer : HETERO HEALTHCARE LTD
Origin of Medicine : India
30 Tablet(s) In A Bottle
Introduction to Virataz R Tablet
Virataz R Tablet is an antiretroviral drug belonging to the protease inhibitors category, containing the active ingredients Atazanavir and ritonavir. It is used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It is a Human immunodeficiency virus that mainly occurs when a person's immune system is attacked and weakened by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This infection progressively weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
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This drug is generally not recommended for individuals with hepatic impairment because these medications are primarily metabolized in the liver. Hepatic impairment can affect the liver's ability to properly metabolize drugs, leading to potential accumulation of the medications in the body and an increased risk of adverse effects. Therefore, caution is advised, and alternative treatment options may be considered for individuals with hepatic impairment. The doctor will monitor liver function before and during therapy, especially in patients with underlying hepatic disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, or marked transaminase elevations. Individuals may experience hepatotoxicity when taking this drug. Most patients experience asymptomatic increases in indirect bilirubin, which are reversible upon discontinuation. Do not reduce the dose. If a concomitant transaminase increase occurs, your doctor will evaluate for alternative etiologies.
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Do not take this drug if you are allergic to Virataz R Tablet and other ingredients. During the early stages of HIV-1 treatment, some patients may experience an inflammatory response to opportunistic infections. This condition is called immune reconstitution syndrome. It can occur after starting the drug or other antiretroviral therapies. Knowing this possibility and monitoring for any signs of worsening infections or inflammatory symptoms is necessary. Inform your healthcare provider if the symptoms concern you or persist longer than usual. PR interval prolongation may occur in some patients. Use caution in patients with preexisting conduction system disease or when administered with other drugs that may prolong the PR interval. Patients with advanced HIV may be at increased risk of elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis (a condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach). If you have a history of pancreatitis, you may have a greater chance of it returning during treatment with this drug.
Uses of Virataz R Tablet
- Treatment of HIV-1 infection
Therapeutic Effects of Virataz R Tablet
Virataz R Tablet works together to inhibit the protease enzyme, which is necessary for the replication of HIV. By blocking this enzyme, this drug prevents the virus from multiplying and spreading in the body. It mainly helps reduce the viral load and slow the progression of HIV infection.
Interaction of Virataz R Tablet with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products you take or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications may interact with Virataz R Tablet and can cause undesirable side effects.Â
More Information about Virataz R Tablet
- Store at room temperature below 30°C.
- Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children.
How to consume Virataz R Tablet
Take the Virataz R Tablet as advised by your physician. Swallow the tablets whole and intact. This tablet should be taken with food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.
Safety Advices for Virataz R Tablet
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Pregnancy
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It is unknown whether Virataz R Tablet can cause fetal harm to the fetus when administered to pregnant women. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
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Breast Feeding
 ÂAvoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment, as it is unknown whether Virataz R Tablet pass into the breast milk. Consult your doctor for more advice before initiating the therapy.
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Lungs
  It is unknown whether Virataz R Tablet is safe for patients with lung problems. Inform your physician if you have any lung disease before starting the treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience any lung-related symptoms.
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Liver
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Virataz R Tablet should be cautiously administered in patients with severe liver diseases. Dose adjustments are necessary for severe liver failure. Inform your physician if you have liver problems before initiating the therapy. Â
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Alcohol
 ÂIt is unknown whether consuming alcohol while taking Virataz R Tablet is safe. Please speak with your physician.
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Driving
  Virataz R Tablet can make you feel dizzy and affect your concentration. Do not drive or operate machinery.Â
Side Effects of Virataz R Tablet
Side Effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious
- Jaundice
 Common
- Nausea, vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Neurological disturbances (tingling, numbness, chilling)
- Headache
- Fever
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- 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.
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If you must remember to take Virataz R Tablet 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.
FAQs
Q 1. How can I manage side effects while taking Virataz R Tablet?
Contact the healthcare professional instantly if you experience any side effects while taking the Virataz R Tablet. They may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medications to manage the side effects or reduce the tablet dosage
Q 2. How long should I consume the Virataz R Tablet?
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 Virataz R Tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Q 3. Whether consuming alcohol is safe while taking Virataz R Tablet?
It is unknown whether consuming alcohol while taking Virataz R Tablet 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.
Q 4. Should I take Virataz R Tablet if I have lactose intolerance?
No, Virataz R Tablet 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.
Q 5. Can patients with impaired kidney function use Virataz R Tablet?
Virataz R Tablet should be used cautiously in individuals with impaired kidney function. Dose adjustments may be necessary, and close monitoring of kidney function is important.
Q 6. How is Virataz R Tablet taken?
Virataz R Tablets are usually taken orally, with or without food. It is necessary to note the instructions given by your healthcare provider or the medication's label for the most appropriate administration guidelines.
Q 7. Whether individuals with hepatic impairment can take Virataz R Tablet?
Virataz R Tablets are not recommended for individuals with hepatic impairment because these medications are primarily metabolized in the liver. Hepatic impairment can affect the liver's ability to properly metabolize drugs, leading to potential accumulation of the medications in the body and an increased risk of adverse effects. Therefore, caution is advised, and alternative treatment options may be considered for individuals with hepatic impairment.
Fact Box of Virataz R Tablet
Molecule Name: Atazanavir, Ritonavir  | Therapeutic class: Antiretroviral |
Pharmacological class: Protease inhibitors  | Indications: Treatment of HIV-1 infection |
References
- Cipla Ltd, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on October 2017] [ Accessed on 18th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/pepfar/206451PI.pdf
- KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th Edition, 2013, 809 - 810.
- Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiretroviral agents and treatment of HIV infection, 12th Edition, 2011, Page: 1623-1660
Disclaimer
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