If you're living with HIV, your doctor may have prescribed you this liquid medicine called Maraviroc. Or maybe someone you know is using it. So, let's talk briefly and honestly about what this medicine is, how it works, and what we should be aware of. I hope this helps you understand a lot.
What kind of medicine is Maraviroc?
Simply put, Maraviroc is an antiretroviral medicine . That is, a medicine that helps fight the HIV virus. It is usually given with several other medicines when treating HIV infection. There is one important thing you need to know. This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. However, it helps a lot in controlling the amount of virus in the body and keeping the immune system strong. Also, this medicine helps reduce the risk of spreading HIV infection from you to someone else. However, it is important to remember that it does not completely eliminate that risk. Another common brand name for this medicine is Selzentry.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?
It is very important to tell your doctor or nurse about these things before you start taking Maraviroc, because only then will they be able to decide exactly whether this medicine is right for you and how much to give you.
If you have any of these situations, you should definitely say:
- If you have heart disease , or are at high risk of developing heart disease.
- If you have a liver infection such as hepatitis B or C.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have low blood pressure , or if you are taking medication to lower blood pressure.
- If you have ever had an unusual allergic reaction to Maraviroc, any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It's very important for your own health to be honest about these things, right? Then the doctor can plan the treatment that's right for you.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine comes as an oral solution . You should follow the directions on the prescription label exactly as your doctor gives you. When measuring each dose, use the special syringe that comes with the medicine . If you do not have a syringe or are not sure how to measure the medicine, ask your pharmacist. Sometimes the amount of medicine you are prescribed may be more than 10 milliliters (10 mL). If this happens, you may need to divide the dose into two or more parts. Your doctor will tell you how to do this.
Another thing, every time you get this medicine from the pharmacy, whether it's a new one or a refill, you'll be given a special guide (MedGuide) . It contains important information about this medicine. So, don't forget to read it carefully every time.
Should this medicine be given to small children?
This medicine is sometimes prescribed by doctors even for newborn babies. However, special care should be taken when giving this medicine to small children. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it and get advice. He is the one who will determine the exact dosage based on the child's weight and age.
What if I miss a dose of medication? What if I take too much?
Imagine that you have forgotten to take a dose of medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once or take more than the prescribed dose.
Also, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, that is, an overdose , call a poison control center or the nearest emergency room immediately. This is very important, because taking too much medicine can be dangerous.
Remember: This medicine is for you only. Do not share your medicine with anyone else.
What other things should not be used with this medicine, or should be used with caution?
Maraviroc can interact with other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, or other products you are taking. This means that it may change how well the medicine works or increase the risk of side effects. So when you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all the medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are already taking. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicines you can buy over-the-counter.
Maraviroc may interact specifically with the following medications:
- Boceprevir `(boceprevir)`
- Clarithromycin
- Medicines for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Medicines for conditions such as epilepsy, for example carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- Nefazodone `(nefazodone)`
- Other medications for HIV, such as darunavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, indinavir, ritonavir
- Rifampin
- The herb St. John's wort
- Telaprevir `(telaprevir)`
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, and if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs . This will help them treat you safely.
What should we be especially careful about when taking this medicine?
It is very important to see your doctor regularly while you are taking Maraviroc. If you have any new symptoms, talk to your doctor about them. You will also need to have some important blood tests while you are taking this medicine. This is to help your doctor see how the medicine is affecting you and if everything is going well.
Another thing to remember is that HIV is an infection that can be spread to others through sex or blood . So, talk to your doctor about ways to stop the spread of HIV. Things like practicing safe sex and not sharing needles and syringes are very important.
You may feel a little sleepy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires a lot of mental concentration . If you are elderly, do not stand or sit up suddenly. Doing so can increase the risk of dizziness and falling. Change positions frequently.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Maraviroc can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Some side effects should be reported to your doctor as soon as they occur. Others are usually not dangerous, but if they persist or become bothersome, you should tell your doctor .
Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:
- Allergic reactions : These are symptoms such as skin rashes, itching or hives, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Feeling dizzy, falling.
- Signs and symptoms of liver injury : These include dark yellow or brown urine; feeling tired or feverish; pale stools; loss of appetite; nausea; pain in the upper right side of the stomach; unusual tiredness or weakness; and yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Numbness, pain, or loss of sensation in the limbs.
- Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine.
- Vomiting.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome:
- Body pain, aches.
- Cough.
- Stomach ache.
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia, difficulty sleeping.
This list is not all possible side effects. If you notice anything else unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How should I store this medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . It is very important.
Store the medicine at room temperature , between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine that has passed the expiration date on the bottle.
Finally, I have to tell you... (Take-Home Message)
Maraviroc is an important medicine that helps control HIV infection. However, you should understand that it does not cure HIV completely . It is very important to take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, and in the right amount. If you have any questions or concerns, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist. You are the one who should take the most care of your health. Remember, this article is only a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.
` Maraviroc, HIV, HIV, antiretroviral drugs, antiretroviral, AIDS, side effects
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න