Maraviroc is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Take Maraviroc exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Maraviroc is available as a tablet and as an oral solution.
If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking the oral solution, follow these steps:
- Remove the bottle cap and push the adapter into the neck of the bottle.
- Insert the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) supplied with each bottle, firmly into the adapter then turn the bottle upside down.
- Pull back the plunger of the syringe and fill the syringe with the appropriate dose.
- Turn the bottle the correct way up and remove the syringe from the adapter.
- Administer the medicine directly from the oral syringe by placing the tip of the syringe into your mouth and against the inside of your cheek.
- Slowly press the plunger of the syringe, take and swallow the solution.
- Wash the oral syringe after use.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your infection and your response to the medication.
Take Maraviroc at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don’t, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Maraviroc if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have severe kidney disease as Maraviroc may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- liver disease including hepatitis B and/or C infection
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- low blood pressure
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Maraviroc is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both this medicine and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
Maraviroc is only suitable for the treatment of a certain type of HIV infection. A blood test will need to be performed before starting the treatment.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function test, amount of HIV in a blood sample) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of infection and allergic reaction (e.g. rash) may also be needed.
Maraviroc may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, stomach pain, stomach wind, cough, difficulty sleeping, and generalised weakness or lack of energy.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of an infection e.g. fever with chills and sweats or shortness of breath
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of a heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat viral infections e.g. efavirenz, etravirine, ritonavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, rifampicin
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Maraviroc.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Throw away any remaining oral solution 60 days after opening. Mark the date of opening on the oral solution bottle so that you know when to discard it.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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