Compare Reyataz vs. Invirase
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats HIV infection.
Reyataz (atazanavir) works well with other HIV medicines to treat HIV, but it's not a first-line choice due to its side effects, and you must take it with food.
Works with other medicines to treat HIV infection.
Invirase (saquinavir) is not a first choice medicine for HIV because other medicines similar to Invirase (saquinavir) work better with fewer side effects and with less pills to take every day.
Upsides
- If first-line choices for HIV medicines are not an option, Reyataz (atazanavir) is a good alternative to consider.
- Conveniently taken once daily.
- Available in powder form for mixing if pills are hard to swallow.
- A safer choice than Prezista (darunavir) or Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat) for people with heart problems.
- Good choice for people with kidney problems.
- If you have trouble swallowing capsules, they can be opened and mixed with syrup or jam.
- People ages 16 and older can use this medicine.
Downsides
- Reyataz (atazanavir) can interact with many other medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping medicines.
- Not a good choice for people with uncontrolled diabetes, liver problems, or history of gallstones or kidney stones.
- Needs to be taken with other HIV medicines.
- Reyataz (atazanavir) powder contains phenylalanine, which is harmful to people who can't digest phenylalanine (i.e., phenylketonuria).
- Have to take at least 4 pills to reach your daily dose, along with all the other medications you are taking for HIV treatment.
- Invirase (saquinavir) interacts with many other medications. This interaction can be harmful.
- Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- If you have a history of heart problems, Invirase (saquinavir) can put you at risk for developing unusual heart rhythms.
- Only use ritonavir to boost Invirase (saquinavir), not Tybost (cobicistat).
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Powder
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$170.71
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$1176.19
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Reviews
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Side effects
13possible side effects
- Nausea14%
- Yellowing of skin and eyes9%
- Rash7%
- Headache6%
- Vomiting4%
- Stomach pain4%
- Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet4%
- Muscle pain4%
- Trouble sleeping3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Dizziness2%
- Fever2%
- Depression2%
18possible side effects
- Nausea11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Vomiting7%
- Abdominal pain6%
- Fatigue6%
- Changes in fat distribution5%
- Pneumonia5%
- Diabetes or increased blood sugar3%
- Fever3%
- Bronchitis3%
- Influenza3%
- Sinus infections3%
- Rash3%
- Itching3%
- Constipation2%
- Back pain2%
- Dry lips/skin2%
- Eczema2%
Risks and risk factors
- Changes in heartbeat
- History of heartbeat problems
- Taking other medicines that can affect your heartbeat
- High bilirubin levels
- New or worsening diabetes
- Diabetes
- Immune reconstitution syndrome
- HIV
- Exposure to other infections
- Start of a new HIV medicine
- Change in HIV therapy
- Liver damage
- History of liver damage
- Hepatitis B or C
- Severe skin reactions
- Heart rhythm problems
- Use with other QT or PR prolonging drugs
- History of heart disease
- Low potassium or magnesium levels
- Drug interactions
- Liver damage
- History of liver damage
- Hepatitis B or C
- Chronic alcoholism
- New or worsening diabetes
- Use of protease inhibitors
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol and fat in the blood
- Immune reconstitution syndrome
- HIV
- Exposure to other infections
- Start of a new HIV medication
- Change in HIV therapy