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

Background and Date of Approval

Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate belong to consists of the active substance called Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. Atazanavir, Ritonavir belongs to the class of antiviral medicine, which belongs to the family called protease inhibitors. Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate is an antiretroviral medicine belonging to nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). This medicine is used for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. It works by inhibiting the enzymes (HIV reverse transcriptase) which is important for virus replication. This medicine is not suggested for children under 12 years.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Atazanavir and Ritonavir inhibit the viral enzyme (protease). Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate inhibit the enzyme reverse transcriptase; inhibiting these enzymes blocks the multiplication of the virus and prevents the release of viral particles in the body to treat the HIV infection.

Uses of undefined

Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate has been developed to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1).  It is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and works by inhibiting the enzymes (HIV reverse transcriptase) important for virus replication. This tablet is not studied in patients over 65 years of age.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate are film-coated tablets. The usual recommended dosage of this medication is one tablet every day, with or without food. Your physician will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the medical condition because it differs for each person. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet. 

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Do not take this medication if you have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, or any of its ingredients. During the Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, heart, liver, and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure (PR prolongation), hypersensitivity (toxic skin eruptions, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome), pancreatitis, bone disease (osteoporosis), liver (chronic hepatitis B or C), or kidney problems. Inform your doctor if you are 65 years old.

Precautions

Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment, as this medication is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to the potential transmission of HIV from the mother to the baby.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate tablet are headache, stomach pain, tiredness, bloating, low phosphate levels in the blood, diarrhea,  dizziness, joint pain, sickness, rash, weakness.

Some serious adverse reactions include pancreas problems, kidney damage, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid), infection, and increased liver enzymes. If you experience any allergic reactions after taking this tablet, report it to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Patients consuming this medicine may develop immune reconstitution syndrome, diabetes mellitus, excessive body fat, and hyperbilirubinemia. Atazanavir, Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate should not be given to patients with existing kidney problems. Report to your physician if you are on a phosphate diet, as this medicine contains phosphate. If you have lactose intolerance, notify your doctor before starting the treatment. Report your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Breastfeeding is not suggested due to the potential transmission of HIV. Use effective contraception to avoid transmission of HIV infection from patients. 

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. 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
  2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiviral drugs, 7th Edition, 2013, 809 - 810.
  3. Generics (UK) Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 24th May 2023]   https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9028.pdf.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.