Maraviroc

Maraviroc is an antiviral medicine that stops the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Maraviroc is used with other medications to treat CCR5-tropic HIV type 1, a virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Maraviroc is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Maraviroc is for use in adults and children who weigh at least 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms).

Maraviroc may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Before you start treatment with maraviroc, your doctor may do a blood test to confirm that maraviroc is suitable for your type of HIV.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as prescribed.

Maraviroc must be taken with other antiviral medications and should not be used by itself.

You can take maraviroc with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break it.

Inform your doctor if the child taking maraviroc has difficulty swallowing the tablet whole.

Measure the liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Maraviroc doses for children are based on weight. Your child's dose may need to change if they gain or lose weight.

Use all HIV medications as prescribed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or stop taking a medicine without your doctor's guidance. Everyone with HIV should continue to see a doctor.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

If you have severe kidney disease, you may not be able to take maraviroc if you are using certain other medications. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Stop taking this medicine and get medical help immediately if you have a serious drug reaction that could harm your liver. Symptoms may include: itching or rash, vomiting, upper stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

If you have severe or end-stage kidney disease, you may not be able to take maraviroc if you are using certain medications, including some antibiotics or antifungal medications, some heart or blood pressure medicines, St. John's wort, and certain drugs for hepatitis or tuberculosis. Inform your doctor about all other medications you take.

Inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease, especially hepatitis B or C;
• heart disease; or
• low blood pressure.

Maraviroc affects your immune system and may increase your risk of developing infections or cancer. Discuss this risk with your doctor.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications correctly to manage your infection. HIV can be transmitted to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be included on a registry to monitor any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be transmitted to the baby through breast milk.

Maraviroc is not approved for use in a premature baby, or a child who weighs less than 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Stop taking maraviroc and seek medical treatment immediately if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body (especially your liver). Symptoms may include: itching or rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle or joint aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, upper stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Call your doctor right away if you have a side effect such as:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might faint; or
• chest pressure, tight feeling in your neck or jaw, sweating, pain spreading to your arm or shoulder.

Maraviroc affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken maraviroc). Tell your doctor if you have:

• signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
• trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or tingling; or
• swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), changes in your menstrual cycle, impotence.

Common side effects of maraviroc may include:

• fever, cold symptoms, cough;
• indigestion, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• rash;
• dizziness; or
• (in newborns) abnormal blood tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how maraviroc will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Using this medicine may not prevent your disease from spreading. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change how much of another drug is in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications work less effectively.

Many drugs can affect maraviroc. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking and any medicine you start or stop using.