Increased atazanavir dose recommended when used in combination with efavirenz or Atripla in naive patients

In December 2008, BMS changed their package insert to indicate that treatment-naive patients taking efavirenz (Sustiva or Atripla) with atazanavir (Reyataz) in their first combination, should increase the atazanavir dose from 300mg to 400mg and take this with 100mg of ritonavir (Norvir) and food.

If atazanavir is combined with efavirenz, atazanavir 400 mg (two x 200mg capsules) with ritonavir 100 mg should be administered once daily all as a single dose with food, and efavirenz should be administered on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime.

This combination remains limited to treatment-naive patients and is still contraindicated for treatment-experienced patients.