Reyataz Information  E-mail

What is Reyataz?


Reyataz is an antiviral medication that is in a class of HIV drugs called protease inhibitors.  It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb and gained approval from the US FDA in 2003.  This drug must be used in combination with at lease two other anti-HIV drugs.

How does it work?


HIV works by infecting the cells in a person’s body and copying its genetic code into the cells DNA.  This programs the cell to create more copies of HIV.  To do this, HIV needs a enzyme called protease to cut up its genetic material so that it can be put back together correctly to make a copy of itself.  Protease Inhibitors work by blocking this enzyme and preventing the cell from making new viruses.  


What should I discuss with my Healthcare provider?


It is recommended that anyone wanting to use Reyataz consult their doctor before starting treatment.  They should also be under a doctor’s care during treatment for HIV/AIDS.  Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.  Reyataz is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.  HIV positive mothers should not breast-feed as they could pass the virus through infected breast milk.

Do not use Reyataz if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.  The active ingredient is:  atazanavir sulfate.  

The inactive ingredients are:

  • Crospovidone
  • Lactose monohydrate
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Gelatin
  • FD&C Blue #2
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Shellac
  • Isopropyl alchol
  • Ammonium hydroxide
  • Propylene glycol
  • N-butyl alcohol
  • Simethicone
  • Dehydrated alcohol

Will it cure aids?


Reyataz is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.  Anyone taking Reyataz can still be susceptible to opportunistic infections (OI’s) such as pneumonia, bacteria infections and any other conditions common with HIV infection.  Reyataz will not prevent a person infecting someone else with HIV through Needles, or unprotected sex.  The best way to prevent HIV is through the use of condoms.

Using Reyataz


Always take Reyataz exactly as your doctor prescribed.  Do not change or modify the dose without talking to a healthcare professional.  Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water and with food.  This will increase the absorbtion of the drug in your body.  Make sure to take the capsules whole, do not chew or open capsules.  It is important not to miss a dose of your medication.  However if you do miss  one then take that dose immediately, unless it is time for your next dose.  Then just skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Click here to see Reyataz Side Effects
 
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