Atazanavir
Brand names: Atazanavir, REYATAZ, Atazanavir Sulfate
Warnings
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Atazanavir capsules are contraindicated: in patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, or toxic skin eruptions) to any of the components of atazanavir capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. 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). 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: Table 6: Drugs Contraindicated with Atazanavir Capsules (Information in the table applies to atazanavir capsules with or without ritonavir, unless otherwise indicated) 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 atazanavir capsules Alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist Alfuzosin Antiarrhythmics Amiodarone (with ritonavir), quinidine (with ritonavir) Anticonvulsants Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin Antimycobacterials Rifampin Antineoplastics Apalutamide, encorafenib, irinotecan, ivosidenib Antipsychotics Lurasidone (with ritonavir), pimozide Benzodiazepines Orally administered midazolam a , 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 Sildenafil b when dosed as REVATIO ® for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension Protease Inhibitors Indinavir Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Nevirapine In patients with previously demonstrated hypersensitivity (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, or toxic skin eruptions) to any of the components of atazanavir capsule. ( 4 ) Coadministration with drugs that are strong inducers of CYP3A, due to the potential for loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. ( 4 ) Coadministration 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. ( 4 )
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Human experience of acute overdose with atazanavir is limited. Single doses up to 1200 mg (three times the 400 mg maximum recommended dose) have been taken by healthy participants without symptomatic untoward effects. A single self-administered overdose of 29.2 g of atazanavir in a patient with HIV-1 (73 times the 400 mg recommended dose) was associated with asymptomatic bifascicular block and PR interval prolongation. These events resolved spontaneously. At atazanavir doses resulting in high atazanavir exposures, jaundice due to indirect (unconjugated) hyperbilirubinemia (without associated liver function test changes) or PR interval prolongation may be observed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.8) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Treatment of overdosage with atazanavir should consist of general supportive measures, including monitoring of vital signs and ECG, and observations of the patient’s clinical status. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed atazanavir should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage. Administration of activated charcoal may also be used to aid removal of unabsorbed drug. There is no specific antidote for overdose with atazanavir. Since atazanavir is extensively metabolized by the liver and is highly protein bound, dialysis is unlikely to be beneficial in significant removal of this medicine.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Coadministration of atazanavir can alter the concentration of other drugs and other drugs may alter the concentration of atazanavir. The potential drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. (4, 7, 12.3) 7.1 Potential for Atazanavir to Affect Other Drugs Atazanavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A and UGT1A1. Coadministration of atazanavir and drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A or UGT1A1 may result in increased plasma concentrations of the other drug that could increase or prolong its therapeutic and adverse effects. Atazanavir is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C8. Use of atazanavir without ritonavir is not recommended when coadministered with drugs highly dependent on CYP2C8 with narrow therapeutic indices (e.g., paclitaxel, repaglinide). When atazanavir with ritonavir is coadministered with substrates of CYP2C8, clinically significant interactions are not expected [see Clinical Pharmacology, Table 22 (12.3) ] . The magnitude of CYP3A-mediated drug interactions on coadministered drug may change when atazanavir is coadministered with ritonavir. See the complete prescribing information for ritonavir for information on drug interactions with ritonavir. 7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Atazanavir Atazanavir is a CYP3A4 substrate; therefore, drugs that induce CYP3A4 may decrease atazanavir plasma concentrations and reduce atazanavir's therapeutic effect (see Table 16) . Atazanavir solubility decreases as pH increases. Reduced plasma concentrations of atazanavir are expected if proton-pump inhibitors, antacids, buffered medications, or H 2 -receptor antagonists are administered with atazanavir [see Dosage and Administration (2.3 , 2.4 , and 2.6) ] . 7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 16 provides dosing recommendations in adults as a result of drug interactions with atazanavir. These recommendations are based on either drug interaction studies or predicted interactions due to the expected magnitude of interaction and potential for serious events or loss of efficacy. Table 16: Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alteration in Dose or Regimen May Be Recommended Based on Drug Interaction Studies a or Predicted Interactions (Information in the table applies to atazanavir with or without ritonavir, unless otherwise indicated) Concomitant Drug Class: Specific Drugs Effect on Concentration of Atazanavir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comment HIV Antiviral Agents Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): didanosine buffered formulations enteric coated (EC) capsules ↓ atazanavir ↓ didanosine It is recommended that atazanavir be given (with food) 2 h before or 1 h after didanosine buffered formulations. Simultaneous administration of didanosine EC and atazanavir with food results in a decrease in didanosine exposure. Thus, atazanavir and didanosine EC should be administered at different times. Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) ↓ atazanavir ↑ tenofovir When coadministered with tenofovir DF in adults, it is recommended that atazanavir 300 mg be given with ritonavir 100 mg and tenofovir DF 300 mg (all as a single daily dose with food). The mechanism of this interaction is unknown. Higher tenofovir concentrations could potentiate tenofovir-associated adverse reactions, including renal disorders. Patients receiving atazanavir and tenofovir DF should be monitored for tenofovir-associated adverse reactions. For pregnant patients taking atazanavir with ritonavir and tenofovir DF, see Dosage and Administration (2.6) . Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): efavirenz ↓ atazanavir In HIV-treatment-naive adult patients: If atazanavir is combined with efavirenz, atazanavir 400 mg (two 200 mg capsules) should be administered with ritonavir 100 mg simultaneously once daily with food, and efavirenz 600 mg should be administered once daily on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. In HIV-treatment-experienced adult patients: Coadministration of atazanavir with efavirenz is not recommended. nevirapine ↓ atazanavir ↑ nevirapine Coadministration of atazanavir with nevirapine is contraindicated due to the potential loss of virologic response and development of resistance, as well as the potential risk for nevirapine-associated adverse reactions [see Contraindications (4) ]. Protease Inhibitors: saquinavir (soft gelatin capsules) ↑ saquinavir Appropriate dosing recommendations for this combination, with or without ritonavir, with respect to efficacy and safety have not been established. In a clinical study, saquinavir 1200 mg coadministered with atazanavir 400 mg and tenofovir DF 300 mg (all given once daily), and nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors did not provide adequate efficacy [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . indinavir Coadministration of atazanavir with indinavir is contraindicated. Both atazanavir and indinavir are associated with indirect (unconjugated) hyperbilirubinemia [see Contraindications (4) ]. ritonavir ↑ atazanavir If atazanavir is coadministered with ritonavir, it is recommended that atazanavir 300 mg once daily be given with ritonavir 100 mg once daily with food in adults. See the complete prescribing information for ritonavir for information on drug interactions with ritonavir. Others ↑ other protease inhibitor Coadministration with other protease inhibitors is not recommended. Hepatitis C Antiviral Agents elbasvir/grazoprevir ↑ grazoprevir Coadministration of atazanavir with grazoprevir is contraindicated due to the potential for increased risk of ALT elevations [see Contraindications (4) ]. glecaprevir/pibrentasvir ↑ glecaprevir ↑ pibrentasvir Coadministration of atazanavir with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is contraindicated due to the potential for increased the risk of ALT elevations [see Contraindications (4) ]. voxilaprevir/sofosbuvir/velpatasvir ↑ voxilaprevir Coadministration with atazanavir is not recommended. Other Agents Alpha 1-Adrenoreceptor Antagonist: alfuzosin ↑ alfuzosin Coadministration of atazanavir with alfuzosin is contraindicated due to risk for hypotension [see Contraindications (4) ]. Antacids and buffered medications: ↓ atazanavir Atazanavir should be administered 2 hours before or 1 hour after antacids and buffered medications. Antiarrhythmics: amiodarone, quinidine amiodarone, bepridil, lidocaine (systemic), quinidine ↑ amiodarone, bepridil, lidocaine (systemic), quinidine Concomitant use of atazanavir with ritonavir and either quinidine or amiodarone is contraindicated due to the potential for serious or life-threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4) ]. Coadministration with atazanavir without ritonavir has the potential to produce serious and/or life-threatening adverse events but has not been studied. Caution is warranted and therapeutic concentration monitoring of these drugs is recommended if they are used concomitantly with atazanavir without ritonavir. Anticoagulants: warfarin ↑ warfarin Coadministration with atazanavir has the potential to produce serious and/or life-threatening bleeding and has not been studied. It is recommended that International Normalized Ratio (INR) be monitored. Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants: betrixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban ↑ betrixaban ↑ dabigatran ↑ edoxaban Concomitant use of atazanavir with ritonavir, a strong CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitor, may result in an increased risk of bleeding. Refer to the respective DOAC prescribing information regarding dosing instructions for coadministration with P-gp inhibitors. rivaroxaban apixaban Atazanavir with ritonavir ↑ rivaroxaban Atazanavir ↑ rivaroxaban Atazanavir with ritonavir ↑ apixaban Atazanavir ↑ apixaban Coadministration of atazanavir with ritonavir, a strong CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitor, and rivaroxaban is not recommended, as it may result in an increased risk of bleeding. Coadministration of atazanavir, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, and rivaroxaban may result in an increased risk of bleeding. Close monitoring is recommended when atazanavir is coadministered with rivaroxaban. Concomitant use of atazanavir with ritonavir, a strong CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitor, may result in an increased risk of bleeding. Refer to apixaban dosing instructions for coadministration with strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors in the apixaban prescribing information. Concomitant use of atazanavir, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, and apixaban may result in an increased risk of bleeding. Close monitoring is recommended when apixaban is coadministered with atazanavir. Antidepressants: tricyclic antidepressants ↑ tricyclic antidepressants Coadministration with atazanavir has the potential to produce serious and/or life-threatening adverse events and has not been studied. Concentration monitoring of these drugs is recommended if they are used concomitantly with atazanavir. trazodone ↑ trazodone Nausea, dizziness, hypotension, and syncope have been observed following coadministration of trazodone with ritonavir. If trazodone is used with a CYP3A4 inhibitor such as atazanavir, the combination should be used with caution and a lower dose of trazodone should be considered. Antiepileptics: carbamazepine ↓ atazanavir ↑ carbamazepine Coadministration of atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) with carbamazepine is contraindicated due to the risk for loss of virologic response and development of resistance [see Contraindications (4) ]. phenytoin, phenobarbital ↓ atazanavir ↓ phenytoin ↓ phenobarbital Coadministration of atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) with phenytoin or phenobarbital is contraindicated due to the risk for loss of virologic response and development of resistance [see Contraindications (4) ]. lamotrigine ↓ lamotrigine Coadministration of lamotrigine and atazanavir with ritonavir may require dosage adjustment of lamotrigine. No dose adjustment of lamotrigine is required when coadministered with atazanavir without ritonavir. Antifungals: ketoconazole, itraconazole Atazanavir with ritonavir: ↑ ketoconazole ↑ itraconazole Coadministration of ketoconazole has only been studied with atazanavir without ritonavir (negligible increase in atazanavir AUC and C max ). Due to the effect of ritonavir on ketoconazole, high doses of ketoconazole and itraconazole (>200 mg/day) should be used cautiously when administering atazanavir with ritonavir. voriconazole Atazanavir with ritonavir in participants with a functional CYP2C19 allele: ↓ voriconazole ↓ atazanavir Atazanavir with ritonavir in participants without a functional CYP2C19 allele: ↑ voriconazole ↓ atazanavir The use of voriconazole in patients receiving atazanavir with ritonavir is not recommended unless an assessment of the benefit/risk to the patient justifies the use of voriconazole. Patients should be carefully monitored for voriconazole-associated adverse reactions and loss of either voriconazole or atazanavir efficacy during the coadministration of voriconazole and atazanavir with ritonavir. Coadministration of voriconazole with atazanavir (without ritonavir) may affect atazanavir concentrations; however, no data are available. Antigout: colchicine ↑ colchicine The coadministration of atazanavir with colchicine in patients with renal or hepatic impairment is not recommended. Recommended adult dosage of colchicine when administered with atazanavir: Treatment of gout flares: 0.6 mg (1 tablet) for 1 dose, followed by 0.3 mg (half tablet) 1 hour later. Not to be repeated before 3 days. Prophylaxis of gout flares: If the original regimen was 0.6 mg twice a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once a day . If the original regimen was 0.6 mg once a day, the regimen should be adjusted to 0.3 mg once every other day. Treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF): Maximum daily dose of 0.6 mg (may be given as 0.3 mg twice a day). Antimycobacterials: rifampin ↓ atazanavir Coadministration of atazanavir with rifampin is contraindicated due to the risk for loss of virologic response and development of resistance [see Contraindications (4) ]. rifabutin ↑ rifabutin A rifabutin dose reduction of up to 75% (e.g., 150 mg every other day or 3 times per week) is recommended. Increased monitoring for rifabutin-associated adverse reactions including neutropenia is warranted. Antineoplastics: irinotecan apalutamide ivosidenib encorafenib ↑ irinotecan ↓ atazanavir ↓ atazanavir ↑ ivosidenib ↓ atazanavir ↑ encorafenib Coadministration of atazanavir with irinotecan is contraindicated. Atazanavir inhibits UGT1A1 and may interfere with the metabolism of irinotecan, resulting in increased irinotecan toxicities [see Contraindications (4) ]. Coadministration of atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) and apalutamide is contraindicated due to the potential for subsequent loss of virologic response and possible resistance to the class of protease inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) ]. Coadministration of ivosidenib with atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) is contraindicated due to the potential for loss of virologic response and risk of serious adverse events such as QT interval prolongation. Coadministration of encorafenib with atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) is contraindicated due to the potential for the loss of virologic response and risk of serious adverse events such as QT interval prolongation. Antiplatelets ticagrelor clopidogrel ↑ ticagrelor ↓ clopidogrel active metabolite Coadministration with ticagrelor is not recommended due to potential increase in the risk of dyspnea, bleeding and other adverse events associated with ticagrelor. Coadministration of atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) and clopidogrel is not recommended. This is due to the potential reduction of the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel. Antipsychotics: pimozide ↑ pimozide Coadministration of atazanavir with pimozide is contraindicated. This is due to the potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4) ]. lurasidone quetiapine Atazanavir with ritonavir ↑ lurasidone Atazanavir ↑ lurasidone ↑ quetiapine Atazanavir with ritonavir Coadministration of lurasidone with atazanavir with ritonavir is contraindicated. This is due to the potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Contraindications (4) ]. Atazanavir without ritonavir If coadministration is necessary, reduce the lurasidone dose. Refer to the lurasidone prescribing information for concomitant use with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Initiation of atazanavir with ritonavir in patients taking quetiapine: Consider alternative antiretroviral therapy to avoid increases in quetiapine exposures. If coadministration is necessary, reduce the quetiapine dose to 1/6 of the current dose and monitor for quetiapine-associated adverse reactions. Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for recommendations on adverse reaction monitoring. Initiation of quetiapine in patients taking atazanavir with ritonavir: Refer to the quetiapine prescribing information for initial dosing and titration of quetiapine. Benzodiazepines: midazolam (oral) triazolam ↑ midazolam ↑ triazolam Coadministration of atazanavir with either orally administered midazolam or triazolam is contraindicated. Triazolam and orally administered midazolam are extensively metabolized by CYP3A4, and coadministration with atazanavir can lead to the potential for serious and/or life-threatening events such as prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression [see Contraindications (4) ]. parenterally administered midazolam b ↑ midazolam Coadministration with parenteral midazolam should be done in a setting which ensures close clinical monitoring and appropriate medical management in case of respiratory depression and/or prolonged sedation. Dosage reduction for midazolam should be considered, especially if more than a single dose of midazolam is administered. Calcium channel blockers: diltiazem ↑ diltiazem and desacetyl- diltiazem Caution is warranted. A dose reduction of diltiazem by 50% should be considered. ECG monitoring is recommended. Coadministration of diltiazem and atazanavir with ritonavir has not been studied. felodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine, and verapamil ↑ calcium channel blocker Caution is warranted. Dose titration of the calcium channel blocker should be considered. ECG monitoring is recommended. Corticosteroids: dexamethasone and other corticosteroids (all routes of administration) ↓ atazanavir ↑ corticosteroids Coadministration with dexamethasone or other corticosteroids that induce CYP3A may result in loss of therapeutic effect of atazanavir and development of resistance to atazanavir and/or ritonavir. Alternative corticosteroids should be considered. Coadministration with corticosteroids (all routes of administration) that are metabolized by CYP3A, particularly for long-term use, may increase the risk for development of systemic corticosteroid effects including Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression. Consider the potential benefit of treatment versus the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects. For coadministration of cutaneously administered corticosteroids sensitive to CYP3A inhibition, refer to the prescribing information of the corticosteroid for additional information. Endothelin receptor antagonists: bosentan Atazanavir ↓ atazanavir Atazanavir with ritonavir ↑ bosentan Coadministration of bosentan and atazanavir without ritonavir is not recommended. For adult patients who have been receiving atazanavir with ritonavir for at least 10 days, start bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based on individual tolerability. For adult patients who have been receiving bosentan, discontinue bosentan at least 36 hours before starting atazanavir with ritonavir. At least 10 days after starting atazanavir with ritonavir, resume bosentan at 62.5 mg once daily or every other day based on individual tolerability. Ergot derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine ↑ ergot derivatives Coadministration of atazanavir with ergot derivatives is contraindicated. This is due to the potential for serious and/or life-threatening events such as acute ergot toxicity characterized by peripheral vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities and other tissues [see Contraindications (4) ]. GI Motility Agents: cisapride ↑ cisapride Coadministration of atazanavir with cisapride is contraindicated. This is due to the potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions such as cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications (4) ]. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone Receptor (GnRH) Antagonists: elagolix ↓ atazanavir ↑ elagolix Coadministration of elagolix and atazanavir with or without ritonavir is not recommended due to the potential of loss of virologic response and the potential risk of adverse events such as bone loss and hepatic transaminase elevations associated with elagolix. In the event coadministration is necessary, limit concomitant use of elagolix 200 mg twice daily with atazanavir with or without ritonavir for up to 1 month or limit concomitant use of elagolix 150 mg once daily with atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) for up to 6 months and monitor virologic response. Herbal Products: St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) ↓ atazanavir Coadministration of products containing St. John’s wort with atazanavir is contraindicated. This may result in loss of therapeutic effect of atazanavir and the development of resistance [see Contraindications (4) ]. Kinase inhibitors: fostamatinib ↑ R406 (active metabolite of fostamatinib) When coadministering fostamatinib with atazanavir (with or without ritonavir), monitor for toxicities of R406 exposure resulting in dose-related adverse events such as hepatotoxicity and neutropenia. Fostamatinib dose reduction may be required. Lipid-modifying agents HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: lovastatin, simvastatin ↑ lovastatin ↑ simvastatin Coadministration of atazanavir with lovastatin or simvastatin is contraindicated. This is due to the potential for serious reactions such as myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis [see Contraindications (4) ]. atorvastatin, rosuvastatin ↑ atorvastatin ↑ rosuvastatin Titrate atorvastatin dose carefully and use the lowest necessary dose. Rosuvastatin dose should not exceed 10 mg/day. The risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, may be increased when HIV protease inhibitors, including atazanavir, are used in combination with these drugs. Other Lipid Modifying Agents: lomitapide ↑ lomitapide Coadministration of atazanavir with lomitapide is contraindicated. This is due to the potential for risk of markedly increased transaminase levels and hepatotoxicity associated with increased plasma concentrations of lomitapide. The mechanism of interaction is CYP3A4 inhibition by atazanavir and/or ritonavir [see Contraindications (4) ]. H 2 -Receptor antagonists ↓ atazanavir Coadministration may result in loss of virologic response and development of resistance. In HIV-treatment-naive adult patients: Atazanavir 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily with food should be administered simultaneously with, and/or at least 10 hours after, a dose of the H 2 -receptor antagonist (H2RA). An H2RA dose comparable to famotidine 20 mg once daily up to a dose comparable to famotidine 40 mg twice daily can be used with atazanavir 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg in treatment-naive patients. OR For patients unable to tolerate ritonavir, atazanavir 400 mg once daily with food should be administered at least 2 hours before and at least 10 hours after a dose of the H2RA. No single dose of the H2RA should exceed a dose comparable to famotidine 20 mg, and the total daily dose should not exceed a dose comparable to famotidine 40 mg. The use of atazanavir without ritonavir in pregnant patients is not recommended. In treatment-experienced adult patients: Whenever an H2RA is given to a patient receiving atazanavir with ritonavir, the H2RA dose should not exceed a dose comparable to famotidine 20 mg twice daily, and the atazanavir with ritonavir doses should be administered simultaneously with, and/or at least 10 hours after, the dose of the H2RA. • Atazanavir 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily (all as a single dose with food) if taken with an H2RA. • Atazanavir 400 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily (all as a single dose with food) if taken with both tenofovir DF and an H2RA. • Atazanavir 400 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily (all as a single dose with food) if taken with either tenofovir DF or an H2RA for pregnant patients during the second and third trimester. Atazanavir is not recommended for pregnant patients during the second and third trimester taking atazanavir with both tenofovir DF and an H2RA. Hormonal contraceptives: ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate or norethindrone ↓ ethinyl estradiol ↑ norgestimate c ↑ ethinyl estradiol ↑ norethindrone d Use caution if considering coadministration of oral contraceptives with atazanavir or atazanavir with ritonavir. If atazanavir with ritonavir is coadministered with an oral contraceptive, it is recommended that the oral contraceptive contain at least 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. If atazanavir is administered without ritonavir, the oral contraceptive should contain no more than 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol. Potential safety risks include substantial increases in progesterone exposure. The long-term effects of increases in concentration of the progestational agent are unknown and could increase the risk of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and acne. Coadministration of atazanavir or atazanavir with ritonavir and other hormonal contraceptives (e.g., contraceptive patch, contraceptive vaginal ring, or injectable contraceptives) or oral contraceptives containing progestogens other than norethindrone or norgestimate, or less than 25 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, has not been studied; therefore, alternative methods of contraception are recommended. Immunosuppressants: cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus ↑ immunosuppressants Therapeutic concentration monitoring is recommended for these immunosuppressants when coadministered with atazanavir. Inhaled beta agonist: salmeterol ↑ salmeterol Coadministration of salmeterol with atazanavir is not recommended. Concomitant use of salmeterol and atazanavir may result in increased risk of cardiovascular adverse reactions associated with salmeterol, including QT prolongation, palpitations, and sinus tachycardia. Inhaled/nasal steroid: fluticasone Atazanavir ↑ fluticasone Concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and atazanavir without ritonavir should be used with caution. Consider alternatives to fluticasone propionate, particularly for long-term use. Atazanavir with ritonavir ↑ fluticasone With concomitant use of fluticasone propionate and atazanavir with ritonavir systemic corticosteroid effects, including Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression, have been reported during postmarketing use in patients receiving ritonavir and inhaled or intranasally administered fluticasone propionate. Coadministration of fluticasone propionate and atazanavir with ritonavir is not recommended unless the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of systemic corticosteroid side effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Macrolide antibiotics: clarithromycin ↑ clarithromycin ↓ 14-OH clarithromycin ↑ atazanavir Increased concentrations of clarithromycin may cause QTc prolongations; therefore, a dose reduction of clarithromycin by 50% should be considered when it is coadministered with atazanavir. In addition, concentrations of the active metabolite 14-OH clarithromycin are significantly reduced; consider alternative therapy for indications other than infections due to Mycobacterium avium complex. Coadministration of atazanavir with ritonavir and clarithromycin has not been studied. Opioids: buprenorphine Atazanavir or atazanavir with ritonavir ↑ buprenorphine ↑ norbuprenorphine Atazanavir ↓ atazanavir Coadministration of atazanavir with ritonavir and buprenorphine warrants clinical monitoring for sedation and cognitive effects. A dose reduction of buprenorphine may be considered. The coadministration of atazanavir and buprenorphine without ritonavir is not recommended. PDE5 inhibitors: sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil ↑ sildenafil ↑ tadalafil ↑ vardenafil Coadministration with atazanavir has not been studied but may result in an increase in PDE5 inhibitor-associated adverse reactions, including hypotension, syncope, visual disturbances, and priapism. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Coadministration of atazanavir with REVATIO ® (sildenafil) for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PAH) is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . The following dose adjustments are recommended for the use of ADCIRCA ® (tadalafil) with atazanavir: Coadministration of ADCIRCA ® in patients on atazanavir (with or without ritonavir): For patients receiving atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) for at least one week, start ADCIRCA ® at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based on individual tolerability. Coadministration of atazanavir (with or without ritonavir) in patients on ADCIRCA ® : Avoid the use of ADCIRCA ® when starting atazanavir (with or without ritonavir). Stop ADCIRCA ® at least 24 hours before starting atazanavir (with or without ritonavir). At least one week after starting atazanavir (with or without ritonavir), resume ADCIRCA ® at 20 mg once daily. Increase to 40 mg once daily based on individual tolerability. Use of PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: Use VIAGRA ® (sildenafil) with caution at reduced doses of 25 mg every 48 hours with increased monitoring for adverse events. Use CIALIS ® (tadalafil) with caution at reduced doses of 10 mg every 72 hours with increased monitoring for adverse events. Atazanavir with ritonavir: Use vardenafil with caution at reduced doses of no more than 2.5 mg every 72 hours with increased monitoring for adverse reactions. Atazanavir: Use vardenafil with caution at reduced doses of no more than 2.5 mg every 24 hours with increased monitoring for adverse reactions. Proton-pump inhibitors: omeprazole ↓ atazanavir Coadministration of atazanavir with or without ritonavir and omeprazole may result in loss of virologic response and development of resistance. In HIV-treatment-naive adult patients: The proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) dose should not exceed a dose comparable to omeprazole 20 mg and must be taken approximately 12 hours prior to the atazanavir 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg dose. In HIV-treatment-experienced adult patients: Coadministration of atazanavir with PPIs is not recommended. a For magnitude of interactions see Clinical Pharmacology, Tables 21 and 22 (12.3) . b See Contraindications (4) , Table 6 for orally administered midazolam. c In combination with atazanavir 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily. d In combination with atazanavir 400 mg once daily. 7.4 Drugs with No Observed Interactions with Atazanavir No clinically significant drug interactions were observed when atazanavir was coadministered with methadone, fluconazole, acetaminophen, atenolol, or the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors lamivudine or zidovudine [see Clinical Pharmacology, Tables 21 and 22 (12.3) ].
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Atazanavir capsule is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in pediatric patients 6 years and older weighing at least 15 kg. Limitations of Use: Atazanavir capsules are 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) ]. Use of atazanavir capsules with ritonavir in treatment-experienced patients should be guided by the number of baseline primary protease inhibitor resistance substitutions [see Microbiology (12.4) ] . Atazanavir capsule is a protease inhibitor indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in pediatric patients 6 years and older weighing at least 15 kg. ( 1 )
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Pretreatment testing: Renal laboratory testing should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of atazanavir capsules and continued during treatment with atazanavir capsules. Hepatic testing should be performed in patients with underlying liver disease prior to initiation of atazanavir capsules and continued during treatment with atazanavir capsules. ( 2.2 ) Treatment-naive adults: Atazanavir capsules 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily with food or atazanavir capsules 400 mg once daily with food. ( 2.3 ) Treatment-experienced adults: Atazanavir capsules 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily with food. ( 2.3 ) Pediatric patients: Atazanavir capsule dosage is based on body weight not to exceed the adult dose and must be taken with food. ( 2.4 ) Pregnancy: Atazanavir capsules 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg once daily with food, with dosing modifications for some concomitant medications. ( 2.6 ) Dosing modifications: may be required for concomitant therapy ( 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.6 ), renal impairment ( 2.7 ), and hepatic impairment. ( 2.8 ) 2.1 Overview Atazanavir capsules must be taken with food. Do not open the capsules. The recommended oral dosage of atazanavir capsules depends on the treatment history of the patient and the use of other coadministered drugs. When coadministered with H 2 -receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors, dose separation may be required [see Dosage and Administration (2.3 , 2.4 , and 2.6 ) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . Atazanavir capsules without ritonavir are not recommended for treatment-experienced adult or pediatric patients with prior virologic failure [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Efficacy and safety of atazanavir capsules 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. 2.2 Testing Prior to Initiation and During Treatment with Atazanavir Capsules Renal laboratory testing should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of atazanavir capsules and continued during treatment with atazanavir capsules. 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 atazanavir capsules and continued during treatment with atazanavir capsules [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. 2.3 Dosage of Atazanavir Capsules in Adult Patients Table 1 displays the recommended dosage of atazanavir capsules in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced adults. Table 1 also displays recommended dosage of atazanavir capsules and ritonavir when given concomitantly with other antiretroviral drugs and H 2 -receptor antagonists (H2RA). Ritonavir is required with several atazanavir capsules dosage regimens (see the ritonavir complete prescribing information about the safe and effective use of ritonavir). The use of atazanavir capsules in treatment-experienced adult patients without ritonavir is not recommended. Table 1: Recommended Atazanavir Capsules and Ritonavir Dosage in Adults a a See Drug Interactions (7) for instructions concerning coadministration of acid-reducing medications (e.g., H2RA or proton pump inhibitors [PPIs]), and other antiretroviral drugs (e.g., efavirenz, tenofovir DF, and didanosine). Atazanavir Capsules Once Daily Dosage Ritonavir Once Daily Dosage 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 2.4 Dosage of Atazanavir Capsules in Pediatric Patients The recommended daily dosage of atazanavir 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). Table 2: Recommended Dosage of Atazanavir Capsules and Ritonavir in Pediatric Patients (6 to less than 18 years of age) a,b a Administer atazanavir 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 (e.g., H2RA or PPIs), and other antiretroviral drugs (e.g., efavirenz, tenofovir DF, and didanosine). c In treatment-experienced patients, atazanavir capsules must be administered with ritonavir. Body weight Atazanavir Capsules Daily Dosage Ritonavir Daily Dosage Treatment-Naive and Treatment-Experienced c 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. 2.6 Dosage Adjustments in Pregnant Patients Table 4 includes the recommended dosage of atazanavir capsules and ritonavir in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced pregnant patients. In these patients, atazanavir capsules must be administered with ritonavir. There are no dosage adjustments for postpartum patients (see Table 1 for the recommended atazanavir capsules dosage in adults) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Table 4: Recommended Dosage of Atazanavir Capsules and Ritonavir in Pregnant Patients a a See Drug Interactions (7) for instructions concerning coadministration of acid-reducing medications (e.g., H2RA or PPIs), and other antiretroviral drugs (e.g., efavirenz, tenofovir DF, and didanosine). b Atazanavir capsules are not recommended for treatment-experienced pregnant patients during the second and third trimester taking atazanavir capsules with BOTH tenofovir DF and H2RA. Atazanavir Capsules Once Daily Dosage Ritonavir Once Daily Dosage 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 DF b In combination with EITHER H2RA OR tenofovir DF 400 mg 100 mg 2.7 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 atazanavir capsules. Treatment-naive patients with end-stage renal disease managed with hemodialysis should receive atazanavir capsules 300 mg with ritonavir 100 mg. Atazanavir capsules are 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) ]. 2.8 Dosage Adjustments in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Table 5 displays the recommended atazanavir capsules dosage in treatment-naive patients with hepatic impairment. The use of atazanavir capsules in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) is not recommended. The coadministration of atazanavir capsules with ritonavir in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment is not recommended. Table 5: Recommended Dosage of Atazanavir Capsules in Treatment-Naive Adults with Hepatic Impairment Atazanavir Capsules 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) Atazanavir capsules with or without ritonavir is not recommended