maraviroc, Selzentry

Type of Drug: Chemokine Coreceptor Antagonist

To infect a cell, HIV must bind to two types of molecules on the cell's surface.

One of these is called a chemokine coreceptor. Drugs known as chemokine coreceptor antagonists block the virus from binding to the molecules.

Note: Because the drug level of Selzentry in your body is affected by many medications, the recommended dosage of Selzentry depends on what other medications you are taking. It is important to discuss this with your medical provider before you start taking Selzentry or any other medication.

Approved adult dosing

one 300 mg tablet, two times a day (standard dosage)

• Morning

Selzentry 300 mg

• Evening

Selzentry 300 mg

Note: Other HIV medications compatible with this dosage: Aptivus, AZT, Emtriva, Epivir, Fuzeon, Videx-EC, Viramune, Viread, Zerit, Ziagen; consult your medical provider

one 150 mg tablet, two times a day

• Morning

Selzentry 150 mg

• Evening

Selzentry 150 mg

Note: This dose recommended if Selzentry is used in a regimen that contains Crixivan, Invirase, Lexiva, Norvir, Prezista, Reyataz, Viracept, or Rescriptor; consult your medical provider

two 300 mg tablets, two times a day

• Morning

Selzentry 300 mg

• Evening

Selzentry 300 mg

Note: This dose recommended if Selzentry is used in a regimen that contains Sustiva or etravirine (an experimental drug) without Crixivan, Invirase, Lexiva, Norvir, Prezista, Reyataz, or Viracept; consult your medical provider

Notes on taking this medication

• Many medications used to treat HIV-related illnesses and other conditions interact with Selzentry. Persons using Selzentry with these medications may need an adjustment to their dosage of Selzentry; consult your medical provider
• Selzentry only works against HIV that binds to a molecule called CCR5 (this type of HIV is sometimes referred to as "R5 virus"). Before you start taking Selzentry, you must have a special blood test (called a tropism assay) to determine whether you have R5 virus or another type of HIV
• The FDA has approved Selzentry for use only by persons whose HIV is resistant to many other HIV medications

Side effects

• Cough; upper respiratory tract infections
• Muscle and joint pain
• Diarrhea
• Sleep disturbance