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Maraviroc

Common brand names:

Celsentri

Uses

Maraviroc is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Maraviroc belongs to a class of drugs known as entry inhibitors. It works by blocking the HIV virus from infecting healthy immune cells (T-cells).

Maraviroc is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This product may also be used to lessen the risk of HIV infection after contact with the virus (for example, due to a needle stick). Ask your doctor for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using maraviroc and each time you get a refill. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, also read the Instructions for Use. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.

The manufacturer directs not to split, crush, or chew the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split, crushed, or chewed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

It is very important to keep taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times every day.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.