Maraviroc

Why this is used

Maraviroc is used with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Maraviroc is in a class of antiviral medications called CCR5 co-receptor antagonists. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Maraviroc does not cure HIV and may not prevent you from developing HIV-related illnesses, including other infections. Maraviroc does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.

How to take it

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.

Side effects

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Maraviroc may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
cough, runny nose, or other cold symptoms</li>
<li>
muscle or joint pain</li>
<li>
pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
painful or difficult urination</li>
<li>
white sores and/or pain in the mouth or esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach)</li>
<li>
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep</li>
<li>
sleep walking, sleep talking, sleep terrors, or acting out in your sleep</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection</li>
<li>
chest pain, pressure, or discomfort</li>
<li>
pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach</li>
<li>
shortness of breath</li>
<li>
sweating</li></ul>During treatment with maraviroc you may be more likely to experience an infection. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection while taking maraviroc.Maraviroc may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.</p>

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. do not take St. John's wort while you are taking maraviroc. 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 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. 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.

Overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

<ul>
<li>
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when getting up too quickly from a lying position</li></ul>
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Maraviroc.