Menu
Close
Welcome to
Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreAntiretroviral
Atazanavir (Reyataz®) is a capsule that contains medicine used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Atazanavir belongs to a group of medicines known as protease inhibitors (PIs). Atazanavir can slow down how soon you will see symptoms of HIV or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection. Atazanavir is available as a 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg capsule.
Atazanavir has the ability to block an enzyme in the body called UGT1A1. UGT1A1 is responsible for removing bilirubin from your body. Bilirubin is made in the body when your red blood cells break down through a natural process. If bilirubin is not removed from your body, your skin and eyes can turn yellow. The medical word for this is “jaundice.” A genetic test can be done to determine how well your UGT1A1 works. If your UGT1A1 works slowly, you should avoid atazanavir because you may become jaundiced. Certain people whose UGT1A1 works slowly may have a condition called Gilbert syndrome. For information about UGT1A1 and how it is affected by atazanavir, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, and see “Do you know… UGT1A1 and medicines.” For more details, go to stjude.org/pg4kds.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.
Not all patients who take atazanavir will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Find more information on side effects.
Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
