Reyataz
(atazanavir)Dosage & Administration
Reyataz Prescribing Information
REYATAZ® is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in pediatric patients 3 months and older weighing at least 5 kg.
Limitations of Use:
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- REYATAZ is not recommended for use in pediatric patients below the age of 3 months due to the risk of kernicterus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
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- Use of REYATAZ with ritonavir in treatment-experienced patients should be guided by the number of baseline primary protease inhibitor resistance substitutions [see Microbiology (12.4)].
Overview
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- REYATAZ capsules and oral powder must be taken with food.
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- Do not open the capsules.
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- The recommended oral dosage of REYATAZ depends on the treatment history of the patient and the use of other coadministered drugs. When coadministered with H2-receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors, dose separation may be required [see Dosage and Administration (2.3, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6) and Drug Interactions (7)].
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- REYATAZ capsules without ritonavir are not recommended for treatment-experienced adult or pediatric patients with prior virologic failure [see Clinical Studies (14)].
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- REYATAZ oral powder must be taken with ritonavir and is not recommended for use in children who weigh less than 5 kg [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
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- Efficacy and safety of REYATAZ with ritonavir when ritonavir is administered in doses greater than 100 mg once daily have not been established. The use of higher ritonavir doses may alter the safety profile of atazanavir (cardiac effects, hyperbilirubinemia) and, therefore, is not recommended. Prescribers should consult the complete prescribing information for ritonavir when using ritonavir.
Testing Prior to Initiation and During Treatment with REYATAZ
Renal laboratory testing should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of REYATAZ and continued during treatment with REYATAZ. Renal laboratory testing should include serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, and urinalysis with microscopic examination [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6)].
Hepatic laboratory testing should be performed in patients with underlying liver disease prior to initiation of REYATAZ and continued during treatment with REYATAZ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Dosage of REYATAZ in Adult Patients
Table 1 displays the recommended dosage of REYATAZ capsules in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced adults. Table 1 also displays recommended dosage of REYATAZ and ritonavir when given concomitantly with other antiretroviral drugs and H2-receptor antagonists (H2RA). Ritonavir is required with several REYATAZ dosage regimens (see the ritonavir complete prescribing information about the safe and effective use of ritonavir). The use of REYATAZ in treatment-experienced adult patients without ritonavir is not recommended.
| a See Drug Interactions (7) for instructions concerning coadministration of acid-reducing medications (eg, H2RA or proton pump inhibitors [PPIs]), and other antiretroviral drugs (eg, efavirenz, tenofovir DF, and didanosine). b For adult patients who cannot swallow the capsules, REYATAZ oral powder is taken once daily with food at the same recommended adult dosage as the capsules along with ritonavir. | ||
REYATAZ Once Daily | Ritonavir Once Daily | |
Treatment-Naive Adult Patients | ||
recommended regimen | 300 mg | 100 mg |
unable to tolerate ritonavir | 400 mg | N/A |
in combination with efavirenz | 400 mg | 100 mg |
Treatment-Experienced Adult Patients | ||
recommended regimen | 300 mg | 100 mg |
in combination with both H2RA and tenofovir DF | 400 mg | 100 mg |
Dosage of REYATAZ Capsules in Pediatric Patients
The recommended daily dosage of REYATAZ capsules and ritonavir in pediatric patients (6 years of age to less than 18 years of age) is based on body weight (see Table 2).
| a Administer REYATAZ capsules and ritonavir simultaneously with food. b The same recommendations regarding the timing and maximum doses of concomitant PPIs and H2RAs in adults also apply to pediatric patients. See Drug Interactions (7) for instructions concerning coadministration of acid-reducing medications (eg, H2RA or PPIs), and other antiretroviral drugs (eg, efavirenz, tenofovir DF, and didanosine). c In treatment-experienced patients, REYATAZ capsules must be administered with ritonavir. | ||
Body weight | REYATAZ Daily Dosage | Ritonavir Daily Dosage |
Treatment-Naive and Treatment-Experiencedc | ||
Less than 15 kg | Capsules not recommended | N/A |
At least 15 kg to less than 35 kg | 200 mg | 100 mg |
At least 35 kg | 300 mg | 100 mg |
Treatment-Naive, at least 13 years old and cannot tolerate ritonavir | ||
At least 40 kg | 400 mg | N/A |
When transitioning between formulations, a change in dose may be needed. Consult the dosing table for the specific formulation.
Dosage and Administration of REYATAZ Oral Powder in Pediatric Patients
REYATAZ oral powder is for use in treatment-naive or treatment-experienced pediatric patients who are at least 3 months of age and weighing at least 5 kg. REYATAZ oral powder must be mixed with food or a beverage for administration and ritonavir must be given immediately afterwards. Table 3 displays the recommended dosage of REYATAZ oral powder and ritonavir.
| a The same recommendations regarding the timing and maximum doses of concomitant PPIs and H2RAs in adults also apply to pediatric patients. See Drug Interactions (7) for instructions concerning coadministration of acid-reducing medications (eg, H2RA or PPIs), and other antiretroviral drugs (eg, efavirenz, tenofovir DF, and didanosine). b For pediatric patients at least 25 kg who cannot swallow REYATAZ capsules, 300 mg (6 packets) REYATAZ oral powder is taken once daily with food along with 100 mg ritonavir. c Only patients weighing 5 to less than 10 kg who do not tolerate the 200 mg (4 packets) dose of REYATAZ oral powder and have not previously taken an HIV protease inhibitor, may take 150 mg (3 packets) REYATAZ oral powder with close HIV viral load monitoring. d Each packet contains 50 mg of REYATAZ. | ||
Body Weight | Daily Dosage of REYATAZ | Daily Dosage of Ritonavir |
5 kg to less than 15 kg | 200 mg (4 packets)c,d | 80 mg |
15 kg to less than 25 kg | 250 mg (5 packets)d | 80 mg |
When transitioning between formulations, a change in dose may be needed. Consult the dosing table for the specific formulation.
Instructions for Mixing REYATAZ Oral Powder [see FDA-approved Instructions for Use]
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- Determine the number of packets (3, 4, 5 or 6 packets) that are needed.
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- Prior to mixing, tap the packet to settle the powder.
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- It is preferable to mix REYATAZ oral powder with food such as applesauce or yogurt. Mixing REYATAZ oral powder with a beverage (milk, infant formula, or water) may be used for infants who can drink from a cup. For young infants (less than 6 months) who cannot eat solid food or drink from a cup, REYATAZ oral powder should be mixed with infant formula and given using an oral dosing syringe. Administration of REYATAZ and infant formula using an infant bottle is not recommended because full dose may not be delivered.
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- Use a clean pair of scissors to cut each packet along the dotted line.
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- Mixing with food: Using a spoon, mix the recommended number of REYATAZ oral powder packets with a minimum of one tablespoon of food (such as applesauce or yogurt). Feed the mixture to the infant or young child. Add an additional one tablespoon of food to the small container, mix, and feed the child the residual mixture.
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- Mixing with a beverage such as milk or water in a small drinking cup: Using a spoon, mix the recommended number of REYATAZ oral powder packets with a minimum of 30 mL of the beverage. Have the child drink the mixture. Add an additional 15 mL more of beverage to the drinking cup, mix, and have the child drink the residual mixture. If water is used, food should also be taken at the same time.
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- Mixing with liquid infant formula using an oral dosing syringe and a small medicine cup: Using a spoon, mix the recommended number of REYATAZ oral powder packets with 10 mL of prepared liquid infant formula. Draw up the full amount of the mixture into an oral syringe and administer into either right or left inner cheek of infant. Pour another 10 mL of formula into the medicine cup to rinse off remaining REYATAZ oral powder in cup. Draw up residual mixture into the syringe and administer into either right or left inner cheek of infant.
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- Administer ritonavir immediately following REYATAZ powder administration.
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- Administer the entire dosage of REYATAZ oral powder (mixed in the food or beverage) within one hour of preparation [may leave the mixture at a temperature of 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C) for up to one hour]. Ensure that the patient eats or drinks all the food or beverage that contains the powder. Additional food may be given after consumption of the entire mixture.
Dosage Adjustments in Pregnant Patients
Table 4 includes the recommended dosage of REYATAZ capsules and ritonavir in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced pregnant patients. In these patients, REYATAZ must be administered with ritonavir. There are no dosage adjustments for postpartum patients (see Table 1 for the recommended REYATAZ dosage in adults) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
| a See Drug Interactions (7) for instructions concerning coadministration of acid-reducing medications (eg, H2RA or PPIs), and other antiretroviral drugs (eg, efavirenz, tenofovir DF, and didanosine). b REYATAZ is not recommended for treatment-experienced pregnant patients during the second and third trimester taking REYATAZ with BOTH tenofovir DF and H2RA. | ||
REYATAZ | Ritonavir | |
Treatment-Naive and Treatment-Experienced | ||
Recommended Regimen | 300 mg | 100 mg |
Treatment-Experienced During the Second or Third Trimester When Coadministered with either H2RA or Tenofovir DFb | ||
In combination with EITHER H2RA OR tenofovir DF | 400 mg | 100 mg |
Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment
For patients with renal impairment, including those with severe renal impairment who are not managed with hemodialysis, no dose adjustment is required for REYATAZ. Treatment-naive patients with end-stage renal disease managed with hemodialysis should receive REYATAZ 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg. REYATAZ is not recommended in treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1 who have end-stage renal disease managed with hemodialysis[see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Dosage Adjustments in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Table 5 displays the recommended REYATAZ dosage in treatment-naive patients with hepatic impairment. The use of REYATAZ in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) is not recommended. The coadministration of REYATAZ with ritonavir in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment is not recommended.
REYATAZ Once Daily Dosage | |
Mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A) | 400 mg |
Moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) | 300 mg |
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) | REYATAZ with or without ritonavir is not recommended |
REYATAZ Capsules:
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- 200 mg capsule with blue cap and blue body, printed with white ink “BMS 200 mg” on the cap and with white ink “3631” on the body.
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- 300 mg capsule with red cap and blue body, printed with white ink “BMS 300 mg” on the cap and with white ink “3622” on the body.
REYATAZ Oral Powder:
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- 50 mg of atazanavir as an oral powder in a packet.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in patients exposed to REYATAZ during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263.
Risk Summary
Atazanavir has been evaluated in a limited number of women during pregnancy. Available human and animal data suggest that atazanavir does not increase the risk of major birth defects overall compared to the background rate [see Data]. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. No treatment-related malformations were observed in rats and rabbits, for which the atazanavir exposures were 0.7-1.2 times of those at the human clinical dose (300 mg/day atazanavir boosted with 100 mg/day ritonavir). When atazanavir was administered to rats during pregnancy and throughout lactation, reversible neonatal growth retardation was observed [see Data].
Clinical Considerations
Dose Adjustments during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
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- REYATAZ must be administered with ritonavir in pregnant patients.
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- For pregnant patients, no dosage adjustment is required for REYATAZ with the following exceptions:
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- For treatment-experienced pregnant women during the second or third trimester, when REYATAZ is coadministered with either an H2-receptor antagonist or tenofovir DF, REYATAZ 400 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily is recommended. There are insufficient data to recommend a REYATAZ dose for use with both an H2-receptor antagonist and tenofovir DF in treatment-experienced pregnant patients.
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- No dosage adjustment is required for postpartum patients. However, patients should be closely monitored for adverse events because atazanavir exposures could be higher during the first 2 months after delivery [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Maternal Adverse Reactions
Cases of lactic acidosis syndrome, sometimes fatal, and symptomatic hyperlactatemia have occurred in pregnant women using REYATAZ in combination with nucleoside analogues, which are associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis syndrome.
Hyperbilirubinemia occurs frequently in patients who take REYATAZ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)], including those who are pregnant [see Data].
Advise pregnant women of the potential risks of lactic acidosis syndrome and hyperbilirubinemia.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
All infants, including neonates exposed to REYATAZ in utero, should be monitored for the development of severe hyperbilirubinemia during the first few days of life [see Data].
Data
Human Data
In Study AI424-182, REYATAZ with ritonavir (300/100 mg or 400/100 mg) coadministered with lamivudine/zidovudine (150 mg/ 300 mg, as fixed-dose product) was administered to 41 pregnant women with HIV-1, during the second or third trimester. Among the 39 women who completed the study, 38 women achieved an HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL at time of delivery. Six of 20 (30%) women on REYATAZ with ritonavir 300/100 mg and 13 of 21 (62%) women on REYATAZ with ritonavir 400/100 mg experienced hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin greater than or equal to 2.6 times ULN). There were no cases of lactic acidosis observed in clinical trial AI424-182.
Atazanavir drug concentrations in fetal umbilical cord blood were approximately 12% to 19% of maternal concentrations. Among the 40 infants born to 40 pregnant women with HIV-1, all had test results that were negative for HIV-1 DNA at the time of delivery and/or during the first 6 months postpartum. All 40 infants received antiretroviral prophylactic treatment containing zidovudine. No evidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin levels greater than 20 mg/dL) or acute or chronic bilirubin encephalopathy was observed among neonates in this study. However, 10/36 (28%) infants (6 greater than or equal to 38 weeks gestation and 4 less than 38 weeks gestation) had bilirubin levels of 4 mg/dL or greater within the first day of life.
Lack of ethnic diversity was a study limitation. In the study population, 33/40 (83%) infants were Black/African American, who have a lower incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia than Caucasians and Asians. In addition, women with Rh incompatibility were excluded, as well as women who had a previous infant who developed hemolytic disease and/or had neonatal pathologic jaundice (requiring phototherapy).
Additionally, of the 38 infants who had glucose samples collected in the first day of life, 3 had adequately collected serum glucose samples with values of less than 40 mg/dL that could not be attributed to maternal glucose intolerance, difficult delivery, or sepsis.
Based on prospective reports from the APR of approximately 1600 live births following exposure to atazanavir-containing regimens (including 1037 live births in infants exposed in the first trimester and 569 exposed in second/third trimesters), there was no difference between atazanavir, and overall birth defects compared with the background birth defect rate. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4%.
Animal Data
In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of mortality or teratogenicity in offspring born to animals at systemic drug exposure levels (AUC) 0.7 (in rabbits) to 1.2 (in rats) times those observed at the human clinical dose (300 mg/day atazanavir boosted with 100 mg/day ritonavir). In pre- and postnatal development studies in the rat, atazanavir caused neonatal growth retardation during lactation that reversed after weaning. Maternal drug exposure at this dose was 1.3 times the human exposure at the recommended clinical exposure. Minimal maternal toxicity occurred at this exposure level.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Atazanavir has been detected in human milk. No data are available regarding atazanavir effects on milk production. Atazanavir was present in the milk of lactating rats and was associated with neonatal growth retardation that reversed after weaning.
Potential risks of breastfeeding include: (1) HIV-1 transmission (in infants without HIV-1), (2) developing viral resistance (in infants with HIV-1), and (3) adverse reactions in a breastfed infant similar to those seen in adults.
Pediatric Use
REYATAZ is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of pediatric patients with HIV-1, 3 months of age and older weighing at least 5 kg. REYATAZ is not recommended for use in pediatric patients below the age of 3 months due to the risk of kernicterus [see Indications and Usage (1)]. All REYATAZ contraindications, warnings, and precautions apply to pediatric patients [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5)].
The safety, pharmacokinetic profile, and virologic response of REYATAZ in pediatric patients at least 3 months of age and older weighing at least 5 kg were established in three open-label, multicenter clinical trials: PACTG 1020A, AI424-451, and AI424-397 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.3)]. The safety profile in pediatric patients was generally similar to that observed in adults [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. See Dosage and Administration (2.4, 2.5) for dosing recommendations for the use of REYATAZ capsules and REYATAZ oral powder in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of REYATAZ did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Based on a comparison of mean single-dose pharmacokinetic values for Cmax and AUC, a dose adjustment based upon age is not recommended. In general, appropriate caution should be exercised in the administration and monitoring of REYATAZ in elderly patients reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Age/Gender
A study of the pharmacokinetics of atazanavir was performed in young (n=29; 18-40 years) and elderly (n=30; ≥65 years) healthy participants. There were no clinically significant pharmacokinetic differences observed due to age or gender.
Impaired Renal Function
REYATAZ is not recommended for use in treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1, who have end-stage renal disease managed with hemodialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Impaired Hepatic Function
REYATAZ is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. REYATAZ with ritonavir is not recommended in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
REYATAZ is contraindicated:
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- in patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, or toxic skin eruptions) to any of the components of REYATAZ capsules or REYATAZ oral powder [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
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- when coadministered with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A or UGT1A1 for clearance, and for which elevated plasma concentrations of the interacting drugs are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events (see Table 6).
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- when coadministered with drugs that are strong inducers of CYP3A due to the potential for loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance.
Coadministration is contraindicated with, but not limited to, the following drugs listed in Table 6:
| a See Drug Interactions, Table 16 (7) for parenterally administered midazolam. b See Drug Interactions, Table 16 (7) for sildenafil when dosed as VIAGRA® for erectile dysfunction. | |
Drug Class | Drugs within class that are contraindicated with REYATAZ |
Alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist | Alfuzosin |
Anticonvulsants | Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin |
Antiarrhythmics | Amiodarone (with ritonavir), quinidine (with ritonavir) |
Antimycobacterials | Rifampin |
Antineoplastics | Apalutamide, encorafenib, irinotecan, ivosidenib |
Antipsychotics | Lurasidone (with ritonavir), pimozide |
Benzodiazepines | Orally administered midazolama, triazolam |
Ergot Derivatives | Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine |
GI Motility Agent | Cisapride |
Hepatitis C Direct-Acting Antivirals | Elbasvir/grazoprevir; glecaprevir/pibrentasvir |
Herbal Products | St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
Lipid-Modifying Agents: | Lomitapide, lovastatin, simvastatin |
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitor | Sildenafilb when dosed as REVATIO® for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension |
Protease Inhibitors | Indinavir |
Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors | Nevirapine |
Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities
REYATAZ has been shown to prolong the PR interval of the electrocardiogram in some study participants. In healthy participants and in participants with HIV-1 treated with atazanavir, abnormalities in atrioventricular (AV) conduction were asymptomatic and generally limited to first-degree AV block. There have been reports of second-degree AV block and other conduction abnormalities [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) and Overdosage (10)]. In clinical trials that included electrocardiograms, asymptomatic first-degree AV block was observed in 5.9% of atazanavir-treated participants (n=920), 5.2% of lopinavir/ritonavir-treated participants (n=252), 10.4% of nelfinavir-treated participants (n=48), and 3.0% of efavirenz-treated participants (n=329). In Study AI424-045, asymptomatic first-degree AV block was observed in 5% (6/118) of atazanavir with ritonavir-treated participants and 5% (6/116) of lopinavir/ritonavir-treated participants who had on-study electrocardiogram measurements. Because of limited clinical experience in those with preexisting conduction system disease (eg, marked first-degree AV block or second- or third-degree AV block), ECG monitoring should be considered in these patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
Severe Skin Reactions
In controlled clinical trials, rash (all grades, regardless of causality) occurred in approximately 20% of participants with HIV-1 treated with REYATAZ. The median time to onset of rash in clinical studies was 7.3 weeks and the median duration of rash was 1.4 weeks. Rashes were generally mild-to-moderate maculopapular skin eruptions. Treatment-emergent adverse reactions of moderate or severe rash (occurring at a rate of ≥2%) are presented for the individual clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Dosing with REYATAZ was often continued without interruption in patients who developed rash. The discontinuation rate for rash in clinical trials was <1%. Cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and toxic skin eruptions, including drug rash, eosinophilia, and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, have been reported in patients receiving REYATAZ [see Contraindications (4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. REYATAZ should be discontinued if severe rash develops.
Patients with Phenylketonuria
Phenylalanine can be harmful to patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). REYATAZ oral powder contains phenylalanine (a component of aspartame). Each packet of REYATAZ oral powder contains 35 mg of phenylalanine. REYATAZ capsules do not contain phenylalanine.
Hepatotoxicity
Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C virus or marked elevations in transaminases before treatment may be at increased risk for developing further transaminase elevations or hepatic decompensation. In these patients, hepatic laboratory testing should be conducted prior to initiating therapy with REYATAZ and during treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Adverse Reactions (6.1), and Use in Specific Populations (8.8)].
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease in patients with HIV-1 treated with atazanavir, with or without ritonavir, has been reported during postmarketing surveillance. Reports included biopsy-proven cases of granulomatous interstitial nephritis associated with the deposition of atazanavir drug crystals in the renal parenchyma. Consider alternatives to REYATAZ in patients at high risk for renal disease or with preexisting renal disease. Renal laboratory testing (including serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, and urinalysis with microscopic examination) should be conducted in all patients prior to initiating therapy with REYATAZ and continued during treatment with REYATAZ. Expert consultation is advised for patients who have confirmed renal laboratory abnormalities while taking REYATAZ. In patients with progressive kidney disease, discontinuation of REYATAZ may be considered [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 and 2.7) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Nephrolithiasis and Cholelithiasis
Cases of nephrolithiasis and/or cholelithiasis have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients with HIV-1 receiving REYATAZ therapy. Some patients required hospitalization for additional management, and some had complications. Because these events were reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made. If signs or symptoms of nephrolithiasis and/or cholelithiasis occur, temporary interruption or discontinuation of therapy may be considered [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions
Initiation of REYATAZ with ritonavir, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving REYATAZ with ritonavir, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A. Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of REYATAZ with ritonavir, respectively. These interactions may lead to:
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- clinically significant adverse reactions potentially leading to severe, life-threatening, or fatal events from greater exposures of concomitant medications.
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- clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of REYATAZ with ritonavir.
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- loss of therapeutic effect (virologic response) of REYATAZ with ritonavir and possible development of resistance.
See Table 16 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during therapy containing REYATAZ with ritonavir; and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with concomitant medications [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7)].
Hyperbilirubinemia
Most patients taking REYATAZ experience asymptomatic elevations in indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin related to inhibition of UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT). This hyperbilirubinemia is reversible upon discontinuation of REYATAZ. Hepatic transaminase elevations that occur with hyperbilirubinemia should be evaluated for alternative etiologies. No long-term safety data are available for patients experiencing persistent elevations in total bilirubin >5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Alternative antiretroviral therapy to REYATAZ may be considered if jaundice or scleral icterus associated with bilirubin elevations presents cosmetic concerns for patients. Dose reduction of atazanavir is not recommended since long-term efficacy of reduced doses has not been established [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Diabetes Mellitus/Hyperglycemia
New-onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients with HIV-1 receiving protease inhibitor therapy. Some patients required either initiation or dose adjustments of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for treatment of these events. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis has occurred. In those patients who discontinued protease inhibitor therapy, hyperglycemia persisted in some cases. Because these events have been reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made and a causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including REYATAZ. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.
Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.
Fat Redistribution
Redistribution/accumulation of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and “cushingoid appearance” have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.
Hemophilia
There have been reports of increased bleeding, including spontaneous skin hematomas and hemarthrosis, in patients with hemophilia type A and B treated with protease inhibitors. In some patients, additional factor VIII was given. In more than half of the reported cases, treatment with protease inhibitors was continued or reintroduced. A causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established.
Resistance/Cross-Resistance
Various degrees of cross-resistance among protease inhibitors have been observed. Resistance to atazanavir may not preclude the subsequent use of other protease inhibitors [see Microbiology (12.4)].