Uses of undefined

Atazanavir, Ritonavir work 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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Atazanavir, Ritonavir based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Do not take this drug if you are allergic to Atazanavir, Ritonavir, 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.

Precautions

Atazanavir, Ritonavir 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, reversible upon discontinuation. Do not reduce the dose. If a concomitant transaminase increase occurs, your doctor will evaluate for alternative etiologies. 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.

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

• How can I manage side effects while taking Atazanavir, Ritonavir?
• 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.

• How long should I consume the Atazanavir, Ritonavir?
• 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.

• Whether consuming alcohol is safe while taking Atazanavir, Ritonavir?
• 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.

• Should I take Atazanavir, Ritonavir if I have lactose intolerance?
• 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.

• Can patients with impaired kidney function use Atazanavir, Ritonavir?
• 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.

• How is Atazanavir, Ritonavir taken?
• Atazanavir, Ritonavir 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.

• Whether individuals with hepatic impairment can take Atazanavir, Ritonavir?
• Atazanavir, Ritonavir 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.