Atazanavir/Ritonavir Description

There is no cure for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), so the main objective for treatment is to reduce the amount of virus in your body (viral load) and improve your chances of not having it progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This will enable you to carry on with your daily tasks, go to work/school, socialize, and enjoy your life with family and friends.

Atazanavir/Ritonavir brand or generic is a combination drug that a doctor may recommend as part of an antiviral regimen to individuals with HIV that have never received treatment as well as for those that are treatment-experienced. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Atazanavir/Ritonavir Works

Both Atazanavir and Ritonavir are called protease inhibitor drugs, Ritonavir is used as a ‘booster’ in some cases to increase the power of Atazanavir. The HIV virus lacks the equipment it needs to reproduce so it must take over other cells in your body that have a protein called CD4 on its surface. Once HIV takes control of the cell, it uses that cell’s abilities to produce proteins so it can now make new copies of itself.

The protein string must be cut into different components to carry out the plan for making new viruses and to do that, HIV requires the enzyme called protease. With the action of Atazanavir/Ritonavir, the protease enzyme is prevented from cutting the protein string so the HIV lifecycle is interrupted and it cannot grow or reproduce.

What is a Retrovirus?

The human immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus, meaning it depends on being able to take over cells in your body called T4-lymphocytes being the target of choice due to the CD4 receptors on its surface that makes it easy to bind to. With the viral DNA hidden inside the cells, as they make new proteins, they are actually making new viruses. T4 cells are important to your immune system as a warning signal when there is an intruder present. As more and more cells are taken over, your immune system becomes at risk and makes you more vulnerable to other infections.

The sooner you are diagnosed and start a drug treatment designed to interfere with the HIV life cycle, the better chance you have of reducing the viral load and increasing your white blood cells so your immune system works more efficiently. There will always be HIV present in your body, but the proper combination of 3 or 4 antiviral drugs, including Atazanavir/Ritonavir, allows you to increase your life expectancy.

Before Atazanavir/Ritonavir is Prescribed for You

Ask your doctor about possible risks involved of taking Atazanavir/Ritonavir when you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, so adjustments or changes can be made if needed to avoid potential serious side effects.

Atazanavir/Ritonavir Precautions and Recommendations

Do not share your medications with anyone, even if they have HIV. Atazanavir/Ritonavir is to treat your viral infection but it will not protect you from infecting your spouse or partner through unprotected sexual contact or sharing needles. Notify your doctor at once if you begin having symptoms of an opportunistic infection as your immune system is compromised.

Possible Side Effects of Atazanavir/Ritonavir

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Trouble sleeping

Drugs Similar to Atazanavir/Ritonavir

• Stribild
• Kaletra
• Trizivir