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 have been given Maraviroc tablets, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you have been given an oral solution:
- Remove the bottle cap and push the adapter into the neck of the bottle.
- Insert the syringe into the adapter.
- Turn the bottle upside down.
- Use the syringe to measure out the prescribed dose by pulling out the plunger of the syringe.
- Remove the syringe from the bottle.
- Place the tip of the syringe into your mouth and against the inside of your cheek.
- As you slowly press the plunger of the syringe, take and swallow the solution.
Maraviroc must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
If you have stopped taking this medicine for a few days or have previously been told to stop the medication, DO NOT restart Maraviroc without first consulting your doctor.
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 this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Maraviroc or any other similar medicines.
Alert your doctor if you have severe kidney disease and are also taking certain medicines such as antibiotics, medicines to treat fungal infections, medicines for epilepsy and other anti-viral medicines, as Maraviroc may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease, including hepatitis B and/or C infection
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- heart 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 does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or through contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both Maraviroc 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.
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.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. liver function test, amount of HIV in a blood sample) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
This medicine 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: cough, cold and cold-like symptoms, fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, tiredness and headache.
This medicine may make you dizzy when you get up from a sitting or lying down position. 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:
- 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
- yellowing of the skin or eyes with abdominal pain or persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting
- chest pains, shortness of breath or other symptoms of a heart attack
- fever with chills and sweats or shortness of breath or other symptoms of an infection
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 anti-viral medicines e.g. efavirenz, atazanavir, ritonavir, fosamprenavir
- antibiotics e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- 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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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