Reyataz and Evotaz

Most common side effects may include nausea, ocular icterus (yellowing of the eyes), and jaundice. The ocular icterus and jaundice are reversible upon discontinuation. Less common side effects may include kidney stones, gallstones, abnormal heart rhythm, and elevated liver enzymes (more common in people with hepatitis B or C). Atazanavir has been associated with changes to the ECG (electrocardiogram) of some people. Because of limited experience in those with preexisting heart disease, ECG monitoring should be considered in these individuals.

Atazanavir: Kidney laboratory testing should be performed on all individuals before starting Reyataz, and continued during treatment. Rarely, chronic kidney disease has been observed. People with underlying liver disease should have hepatic testing done before starting an atazanavir regimen and be monitored. Reyataz capsules do not contain phenylalanine but oral powder does; thus, use with caution in individuals with phenylketonuria.

Evotaz: Cobicistat can cause a small, reversible increase in serum creatinine (SCr, which indicates the eGFR or estimated CrCl lab values) within the first few weeks of treatment without affecting actual kidney function. People experiencing a confirmed increase in serum creatinine of greater than 0.4 mg/dL from baseline should be closely monitored for renal safety. Serum phosphorus in people with or at risk for kidney impairment should also be monitored. Kidney impairment—including cases of acute kidney failure and Fanconi syndrome—has been reported in people taking both cobicistat and tenofovir DF (TDF). When used with TDF, a baseline CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein is needed; CrCl, urine glucose, and urine protein should be monitored regularly while taking cobicistat-containing regimens.

Do not use with alfuzosin, rifampin, irinotecan, ergot derivatives, lovastatin, simvastatin, triazolam, oral midazolam, St. John’s wort, Revatio, or Viramune (nevirapine). Tybost is not interchangeable with Norvir. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, like Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Protonix, and Prevacid) and H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs, like Pepcid, Zantac, and Tagamet) can stop Reyataz from being absorbed. Treatment-experienced people should not take PPIs while on atazanavir. See package insert for antacid dosing adjustment recommendations. If taking chewable antacids, take with food two hours before or one hour after atazanavir dose. Treatment-experienced people should not take atazanavir with efavirenz. Tenofovir DF decreases levels of atazanavir, and Reyataz/Norvir increases tenofovir DF levels; monitor for adverse events. Monitoring is required when used with warfarin. Calcium channel blockers should be monitored. Reducing dose and frequency of rifabutin to 150 mg every other day or three times a week is recommended. Reyataz/Norvir as well as Evotaz increase levels of fluticasone; monitor for signs of Cushing’s syndrome. An alternative corticosteroid is recommended. Erectile dysfunction drugs should not exceed 10 mg Cialis or 2.5 mg Levitra per 72 hours, or 25 mg Viagra per 48 hours. A lower dose of trazodone is recommended. Use with caution with bosentan, salmeterol, and immunosuppressants. Do not take with Zepatier. Can be used with Harvoni if tenofovir DF is not part of the HIV regimen. Monitor for tenofovir toxicities with Epclusa if TDF is part of the HIV regimen. Tell your provider or pharmacist about all medications, herbals, and supplements you are taking or thinking of taking, prescribed or not, as there are many other drug interactions not listed here.

Reyataz: Can be taken unboosted with Epzicom if absolutely necessary (Reyataz dose of 400 mg daily). Bepridil, amiodarone, quinidine, and lidocaine should be taken with caution. Use caution when taking itraconazole or ketoconazole. Voriconazole is not recommended. Reyataz can be taken with birth control pills that contain no more than 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol if taking Reyataz without ritonavir, and at least 35 mcg if taken with it. Use caution with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin. Take lower dose of colchicine. Use with ritonavir when taking buprenorphine; monitor for sedation.

Evotaz: Do not take with lurasidone, pimozide, ranolazine, or dronedarone. Do not take with colchicine if there is kidney or liver impairment. Start metformin at lowest dose and titrate based on tolerability and clinical effect.

Yellowing of the eyes is a common reason for discontinuation.

Dr. Melanie Thompson:

Atazanavir-based regimens are not often used these days because of the high incidence of jaundice due to indirect hyperbilirubinemia (high bilirubin in the blood) and an increased risk of kidney and gallbladder stones, as well as kidney toxicity. They are not recommended for initial therapy in most people. Acid blockers can’t be used with atazanavir, and the drug must be taken with food. On the bright side, large cohort studies have not found an association between atazanavir and cardiovascular disease. Unboosted atazanavir is FDA-approved for people who have not taken treatment before, but it is not recommended for initial therapy by DHHS or IAS-USA guidelines panels. In pregnancy, atazanavir 400 mg must be used with ritonavir as a booster. Evotaz is atazanavir coformulated with cobicistat and cannot be used in pregnancy (see Tybost). The monthly wholesale acquisition cost for Reyataz 300 mg is $1,449 and for Evotaz is $1,605, while generic atazanavir 300 mg ranges from $178 to $1,018.

Activist Joey Wynn:

Not sure why this option is even being discussed anymore. Not a worthy option for anyone at this point in time.