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Overview: Maraviroc is used to treat a certain type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It works by helping stop the spread of this type of HIV in your body. Common side effects include infection in the nose or throat and dizziness. Stop this medicine and call your health care provider right away if you get a rash, vomiting, dark or brown urine, or a yellow color to either your skin or the white part of your eyes.

Uses

What is maraviroc used for?

Maraviroc is commonly used to treat a certain type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Maraviroc may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does maraviroc work (mechanism of action)?

Maraviroc helps stop the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in your body. This medicine prevents a certain type of HIV (CCR5-tropic) from getting into cells. Thus, this type of HIV cannot make copies of itself, which helps protect and preserve the immune system.

How is maraviroc supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Selzentry

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 150 mg, 300 mg oral tablets
  • 20 mg/mL oral solution

How should I store maraviroc?

Tablets. Maraviroc tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Oral Solution. Maraviroc oral solution should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Throw it away 60 days after first opening.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of maraviroc?

The most common side effects of maraviroc are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Dizziness
  • Gas
  • Stomach bloating, swelling, or pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

There may be other side effects of maraviroc that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of maraviroc?

While less common, the most serious side effects of maraviroc are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Maraviroc may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This reaction can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking maraviroc. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Maraviroc can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop maraviroc and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Immune System Changes. When you start maraviroc, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection.

  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Vision problems
  • Confusion, problems talking, or headache
  • Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Weakness or coordination problems

Infections. Maraviroc may increase your risk of infections, including serious ones. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use maraviroc?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take maraviroc.

  • Maraviroc
  • Selzentry
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific maraviroc products they stock.

Kidney Problems and Taking Certain Medicines. Maraviroc should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be and if you take another medicine that interacts with maraviroc. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your health care provider may do tests to determine how well they are working.

What should I know about maraviroc before using it?

Do not take maraviroc unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share maraviroc with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

If you are taking the oral solution, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Keep maraviroc out of the reach of children.

Maraviroc is only used to treat a certain type of HIV. Your health care provider will likely test for the strain of HIV prior to starting maraviroc. This is to make sure that maraviroc will be an effective treatment.

Your health care provider will also likely order lab work prior to starting maraviroc and periodically while you are taking it to monitor for liver damage. 

While maraviroc can help keep the HIV infection under control, it does not cure it. Maraviroc does not help protect against or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

Maraviroc can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how maraviroc affects you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using maraviroc?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if maraviroc is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Maraviroc may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Maraviroc, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems, including hepatitis B or C
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart disease
  • Low blood pressure

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how maraviroc could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take maraviroc while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking maraviroc, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if maraviroc passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking maraviroc. There may be risks with breastfeeding while taking maraviroc and having HIV.

Interactions

Does maraviroc interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between maraviroc and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect maraviroc. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking maraviroc.

Does maraviroc interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking maraviroc.

  • Clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • A medicine for HIV or AIDS
  • Ketoconazole or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Nefazodone, which is a medicine used to treat depression
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of maraviroc. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with maraviroc. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much maraviroc?

If you or someone else has used too much maraviroc, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of maraviroc?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Missing doses of maraviroc can cause it not to work as well over time. So, it is very important not to miss or skip doses.