Atazanavir + Emtricitabine + Ritonavir + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Uses

How Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Emtricitabine, Atazanavir, and Ritonavir work Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Emtricitabine, Atazanavir, and Ritonavir is a combination of four antiviral medications: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Emtricitabine, Atazanavir, and Ritonavir. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and Emtricitabine work by preventing the HIV virus from multiplying, thereby reducing the viral load in the body. They also increase the CD4 cell count, which are white blood cells that help protect against infection. Atazanavir and Ritonavir function by interfering with a protease enzyme that HIV-infected cells require to produce new viruses.

How it Works

Common side effects of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Emtricitabine, Atazanavir, and Ritonavir include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, depression, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), taste changes, skin rash, peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness in the feet and hands), increased blood lipid levels, and increased liver enzymes.

Expert Advice

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate + Emtricitabine + Atazanavir + Ritonavir must be taken with food at the same time every day.
Do not skip any doses and complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better.
Stopping the medication early may result in the infection returning and becoming harder to treat.
It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet while taking the medication.
This medication may cause dizziness; avoid driving or engaging in activities that require mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication, as it may lead to increased side effects.