Uses
Maraviroc is used along with other medications to treat a certain type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Maraviroc is in a class of medications called HIV entry and fusion inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Although maraviroc does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.
Side Effects Of Maraviroc
Maraviroc may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- cough, runny nose, or other cold symptoms
- muscle or joint pain
- pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
- dizziness
- diarrhea
- constipation
- painful or difficult urination
- white sores and/or pain in the mouth or esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach)
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- sleepwalking, sleep talking, sleep terrors, or acting out in your sleep
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
- pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- shortness of breath
- sweating
Maraviroc may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking maraviroc:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to maraviroc, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in maraviroc tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungal medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox); clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); medications to treat HIV or AIDS; medications to treat high blood pressure; certain medications to treat seizures such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, others), and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); nefazodone; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifamate, others); and telithromycin (Ketek). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort. You should not take St. John’s wort during your treatment with maraviroc.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low blood pressure, chest pain, diabetes, a heart attack, high cholesterol or fats in the blood, or heart or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking maraviroc, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking maraviroc.
- you should know that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your breasts and upper back, while you are taking maraviroc.
- you should know that maraviroc may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. To help avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery if you are dizzy while taking maraviroc.
- you should know that while you are taking medications to treat HIV infection, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight other infections that were already in your body. This may cause you to develop symptoms of those infections. If you have new or worsening symptoms after starting treatment with maraviroc, be sure to tell your doctor.
Dosage Of Maraviroc
Maraviroc comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food two times a day. Take maraviroc at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take maraviroc exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow maraviroc tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Continue to take maraviroc even if you feel well. Do not stop taking maraviroc without talking to your doctor. If you miss doses, take less than the prescribed dose, or stop taking maraviroc, your condition may become more difficult to treat. When your supply of maraviroc starts to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
