maraviroc at a glance
Medicine class
CCR5 antagonist and HIV entry inhibitor
Usual role
Part of combination treatment for confirmed CCR5-tropic HIV-1 in treatment-experienced people
Before treatment
A recent viral tropism test must confirm that only CCR5-tropic HIV-1 is detectable
What is maraviroc used for?
The selected products are licensed only as part of combination antiretroviral treatment when testing confirms CCR5-tropic HIV-1.
Tablets: treatment-experienced adults and adolescents weighing at least 30 kg.
Oral solution: treatment-experienced adults, adolescents and children aged 2 years or older and weighing at least 10 kg.
Maraviroc does not work against HIV-1 that uses CXCR4.
How does maraviroc work?
Maraviroc binds selectively to the human CCR5 receptor. This prevents CCR5-tropic HIV-1 from entering susceptible cells; it does not block HIV that uses CXCR4 instead.
maraviroc preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg/mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg
How to take maraviroc
Take maraviroc by mouth exactly as prescribed. It may be taken with or without food.
Use the oral solution when tablets cannot be swallowed reliably.
Measure oral solution with the supplied oral applicator and follow its illustrated instructions.
Do not stop maraviroc or alter the regimen without speaking to the HIV team.
maraviroc side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort or wind
- Headache, tiredness or weakness
- Reduced appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or depression
- Rash
- Anaemia or raised liver enzymes detected by blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic or blistering skin reaction, particularly with fever or organ symptoms
- Liver inflammation or liver failure symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine or confusion
- Fainting associated with a fall in blood pressure on standing
- Seizures
- New or worsening inflammatory symptoms after immune recovery
maraviroc in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data for maraviroc are limited, so its benefits and uncertainties should be reviewed by the specialist HIV and maternity teams. Do not stop treatment without specialist advice.
maraviroc while breastfeeding
It is unknown how much maraviroc passes into human milk, and risk to an infant cannot be excluded. Formula feeding removes postnatal HIV transmission risk; discuss breastfeeding early with the specialist HIV team because additional maternal and infant monitoring is required.
maraviroc interactions
Maraviroc exposure is strongly affected by medicines that inhibit or induce CYP3A. Review all medicines, including herbal products, whenever treatment changes.
Ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors or cobicistat
These can substantially increase maraviroc exposure and require specialist review.
Ketoconazole, itraconazole or other potent azole antifungals
These can increase maraviroc concentrations and require interaction assessment.
Common questions about maraviroc
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is a tropism test needed before taking maraviroc?
Maraviroc only blocks HIV-1 that uses CCR5 to enter cells. It will not work adequately when CXCR4-using or dual/mixed-tropic virus is detectable.
Can maraviroc be used by itself for HIV?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.