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Prezcobix vs. Reyataz

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat) and Reyataz (atazanavir) are both antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infections, but they have some key differences. Prezcobix is a combination of two medications: darunavir, a protease inhibitor, and cobicistat, a booster that helps darunavir work better. Reyataz, on the other hand, is usually taken with a separate booster like ritonavir. Prezcobix is taken as a single tablet once daily, while Reyataz can be taken as a tablet or powder, also once daily. Prezcobix is not recommended during pregnancy, whereas Reyataz can be used during pregnancy without increasing the risk of birth defects. Additionally, Prezcobix must be taken with food and is not safe for people with sulfa allergies, while Reyataz also needs to be taken with food and is not suitable for those with serious kidney problems. Both medications can cause high blood sugar and changes in body fat, but Reyataz has a higher risk of causing jaundice.

Prezcobix

(darunavir / cobicistat)

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Atazanavir

(Reyataz)

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Summary for Prezcobix

Prescription only

Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat), also known as DRV/COBI, is an antiretroviral (ARV) medication that treats HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections in people who weigh at least 88 pounds. It's typically taken with other HIV ARVs to make up a complete treatment regimen. Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat) is an oral tablet that's taken once daily. It's important to take the medication every day to prevent HIV drug resistance (when HIV medications no longer work). A side effect of Prezcobix (darunavir / cobicistat) is a skin rash that appears within the first month of treatment, but it typically goes away on its own.

Indications for Prezcobix

  • Treatment of HIV infection in adults and children weighing at least 88 pounds

Pros and Cons for Prezcobix

Pros

  • Taken once a day by mouth
  • Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
  • Safe to use in adults and children weighing at least 88 pounds

Cons

  • Interacts with many medications, such as certain statins and blood thinners
  • Must be used carefully in people with sulfa allergies
  • Not recommended during pregnancy (being pregnant can cause the medication to work less well)

Common Side Effects for Prezcobix

Side effects below were reported in at least 5% of adults taking Prezista (darunavir) with ritonavir (Norvir) during clinical studies.

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Rash

Side effects below were reported in at least 5% of adults taking Tybost (cobicistat) with other HIV medications in clinical studies.

Warnings for Prezcobix

  • Liver problems
  • Severe skin and allergic reactions
  • Changes to blood test results for kidney function
  • Kidney problems when used with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)
  • High blood sugar
  • Changes in body fat
  • Overactive immune system
  • Risk of bleeding in people with hemophilia
  • Interactions with other medications

Summary for Reyataz

Prescription only

Atazanavir (Reyataz) is an oral tablet or powder that's used as part of an antiretroviral (ARV) regimen to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It's often taken in combination with a "booster," like ritonavir (Norvir), to help atazanavir (Reyataz) work better against the virus. Some common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and headache. Rarely, this medication can also cause jaundice, which is a health condition that causes the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow.

Indications for Reyataz

  • Treatment of HIV infection

Pros and Cons for Reyataz

Pros

  • Powder form can be mixed with soft food or liquid, such as applesauce or milk, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Can be used in young children 3 months and older who weigh over 5 kg (powder form)
  • Only taken once a day

Cons

  • Interacts with a lot of medications
  • Requires regular blood work and lab tests
  • Not safe for use for people with serious kidney problems
  • Needs to be taken with food

Common Side Effects for Reyataz

  • Higher liver enzyme levels (44-49%)
  • Higher cholesterol levels (up to 25%)
  • Nausea (3-14%)
  • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (7-9%)
  • Headache (1-6%)
  • Vomiting (3-4%)
  • Belly pain (4%)
  • Nerve pain (4%)
  • Rash (3-7%)
  • Diarrhea (1-3%)

Please note: The side effects above were reported in adults taking this medication with other HIV ARVs. Side effects might differ in children.

Warnings for Reyataz

  • Heart rhythm problems (PR prolongation)
  • Severe skin and allergic reactions
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Risk of kidney stones or gallstones
  • High blood sugar
  • Overactive immune system
  • Changes in body fat
  • Risk of bleeding
  • Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Prezcobix vs. Reyataz

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Prezcobix30 tablets / 800mg/150mg
$2,406.26-
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Atazanavir30 capsules / 300mg of
$37.03$1,248.99
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