Atazor-R Tablet

Description

 

Generic Name:

Atazor R Tablet contains Atazanavir (300mg) + Ritonavir (100mg) — a fixed-dose combination of two Protease Inhibitors used in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for HIV-1 infection treatment in adults and paediatric patients.

 

Composition:

Each capsule of Atazor-R contains:

• Atazanavir (300mg): A Protease Inhibitor that blocks the HIV protease enzyme, preventing HIV-infected cells from producing new viruses and stopping viral replication.
• Ritonavir (100mg): Acts as a pharmacokinetic booster — it inhibits the CYP3A enzyme that breaks down Atazanavir, increasing its blood concentration and making the treatment significantly more effective.
• Excipients: Inactive binding and coating agent

 

Why This Combination is Effective:

The combination of Atazanavir (Protease Inhibitor) boosted by Ritonavir offers a dual-mechanism approach — blocking HIV protease at two simultaneous pharmacological levels, making it significantly harder for HIV-1 to develop resistance compared to single-agent therapy. Together they form the WHO-recommended boosted PI backbone for second-line Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

 

Indication:

Atazor-R is indicated for:

• HIV-1 Infection: Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients.
• Boosts the effectiveness of Atazanavir by enhancing drug levels in the body.

 

Storage Instructions:

• Store at room temperature (15-30°C).
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.

 

Uses of the Atazor-R Tablet:

• Helps control HIV infection and prevents it from progressing to AIDS.
• Lowers the viral load and improves immune system function.
• Increases CD4 cell count, improving the body’s ability to fight infections.

 

Atazor-R Tablet Price:

Atazor R Tablet is available at TAAL Healthcare at ₹1,800 for a pack of 30 tablets — offering up to 46% off the MRP of ₹3,354, making it one of the most affordable genuine antiretroviral options for HIV-1 treatment in India. Please note that prices may vary depending on availability. Please note that prices may vary depending on pharmacy location and availability.

 

Benefits of the Atazor-R Tablet:

• Suppresses HIV Viral Load: Atazor R blocks HIV protease, reducing HIV-1 viral load in blood and keeping the virus under control as part of ART.
• Boosts Immunity: Increases CD4 cell count, strengthening your immune system against opportunistic infections and AIDS complications.
• Boosted PI Advantage: Ritonavir boosts Atazanavir blood levels — meaning stronger HIV-1 suppression with a lower daily dose.
• Once-Daily Convenience: One tablet once daily with food improves long-term ART adherence and simplifies HIV treatment.
• Reduces Transmission Risk: By suppressing viral load consistently, Atazor R reduces the risk of HIV-1 transmission to partners.

 

Common Side Effects of Atazor-R Tablet:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

 

Serious Side Effects of Atazor-R Tablet:

• Liver toxicity (hepatitis, increased liver enzymes)
• Kidney stones
• Changes in heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Lactic acidosis (rare but life-threatening)

 

How to Use the Atazor-R Tablet:

• Take one capsule once daily, preferably with food to enhance absorption.
• Swallow the capsule whole with water.
• Follow the doctor’s prescribed dosage strictly.

 

How the Atazor-R Tablet Works:

• Blocks HIV Protease Enzyme: Atazanavir inhibits the protease enzyme HIV needs to assemble new infectious virus particles — stopping HIV-1 replication at the assembly stage.
• Pharmacokinetic Boosting: Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, the enzyme that breaks down Atazanavir — significantly increasing Atazanavir blood concentration and duration of action.
• Reduces HIV Viral Load: By continuously blocking protease, Atazor R suppresses HIV-1 viral load in the bloodstream.
• Increases CD4 Count: Lower viral load allows the immune system to recover — increasing CD4 cell count and reducing opportunistic infection risk.
• Prevents Viral Resistance: Boosted PI combination makes it harder for HIV-1 to develop drug resistance compared to unboosted regimens.

 

What If You Forget to Take the Atazor-R Tablet?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it’s close to the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

 

Best Practices for Adherence to Atazor R Tablet:

• Take Once Daily with Food: Always take Atazor R Tablet once daily with a meal — food improves Atazanavir absorption and reduces the risk of side effects.
• Take at the Same Time Every Day: Set a daily reminder to maintain consistent drug levels in your blood — skipping or delaying doses reduces ART effectiveness and increases viral resistance risk.
• Never Skip a Dose: Missing doses allows HIV-1 viral load to rebound and increases the risk of the virus developing resistance to Atazanavir and Ritonavir.
• Consult Your Doctor Before Stopping: Never discontinue Atazor R Tablet without medical advice — abrupt discontinuation can cause viral rebound and treatment failure.

 

Quick Tips:

• Always take Atazor-R with food for better absorption.
• Stay hydrated to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• Regularly monitor liver and kidney function.
• Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may interfere with drug metabolism.
• Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

 

Safety Advice:

 

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Atazor-R Tablet. Please consult your doctor for guidance.

 

Atazor-R Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy due to potential harm to the developing baby. It may only be prescribed in life-threatening situations where benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor.

 

There is insufficient information on the use of Atazor-R Tablet while breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before use.

 

It is uncertain whether Atazor-R Tablet affects your ability to drive. Avoid driving if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or reduced alertness.

 

Limited data is available on the safety of Atazor-R Tablet in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Please consult your doctor.

 

Atazor-R Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustments may be required based on the severity of the condition. Please consult your doctor.

 

Manufacturer:

Atazor R Tablet is manufactured by Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company based in Pune, Maharashtra. Emcure produces high-quality antiretroviral medicines under WHO-GMP certified facilities, making Atazor R a trusted, NPPA-regulated choice for HIV-1 treatment and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in India.

 

FAQs:

Q: What is Atazor R Tablet used for?
A: Atazor R Tablet is used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and paediatric patients as part of combination Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). It contains Atazanavir (300mg) and Ritonavir (100mg) — both Protease Inhibitors — that work together to suppress HIV-1 viral load and improve CD4 cell count.

 

Q: What is the recommended dosage of Atazor R Tablet?
A: The recommended dose is one Atazor R Tablet (Atazanavir 300mg + Ritonavir 100mg) taken once daily with food. Always follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage — never skip doses as this increases the risk of HIV-1 drug resistance.

 

Q: Can Atazor R Tablet cure HIV?
A: No. Atazor R Tablet does not cure HIV infection. It helps control HIV-1 viral load, improves CD4 cell count, and prevents the disease from progressing to AIDS — but must be taken continuously as prescribed by your doctor.

 

Q: Can Atazor R Tablet affect heart rhythm?
A: Yes. Atazor R may cause PR or QT prolongation — changes in the heart’s electrical activity. Inform your doctor if you have existing heart conditions or are taking other medicines that affect heart rhythm. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain, fainting, or irregular heartbeat.

 

Q: Does Atazor R Tablet interact with other medicines?
A: Yes. Atazor R has significant drug interactions including:

• Sildenafil (Viagra) — increased risk of low blood pressure
• Rifampicin — reduces Atazanavir levels causing treatment failure
• Statins (Lovastatin, Simvastatin) — increased risk of liver damage
• Antacids / PPIs — reduce Atazanavir absorption
• St. John’s Wort — reduces ART effectiveness

Always inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking before starting Atazor R.

 

Q: How long does Atazor R Tablet take to work?
A: Atazor R starts working within a few weeks of starting treatment. Noticeable improvement in HIV-1 viral load typically occurs within 4–8 weeks, with significant CD4 cell count improvement seen within 3–6 months of consistent daily use. Regular viral load and CD4 monitoring confirms treatment effectiveness.

 

Q: Can Atazor R Tablet affect bone health?
A: Yes. Long-term use of HIV medicines like Atazor R may lead to bone thinning (osteopenia or osteoporosis) and changes in body fat distribution. Exercise regularly, take calcium and Vitamin D supplements as advised by your doctor, and get bone density checked annually if at risk.

 

Q: Is Atazor R Tablet safe for kidney disease patients?
A: Atazor R should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Regular kidney function monitoring (creatinine, eGFR) is recommended. Consult your doctor for appropriate dose adjustments based on your kidney function.

 

Related Lab Tests:

• HIV-1 RNA Test
• Liver Function Test (LFTs)
• Kidney Function Test (Creatinine, eGFR)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart rhythm monitoring
• Bilirubin levels (due to risk of jaundice)

 

Other Resources:

NIH MedlinePlus – Atazanavir Information
HIV.gov – Atazanavir (Reyataz) Patient Guide