Are People with HIV at Higher Risk for Heart failure?

HIV is a human immunodeficiency virus and can lead to Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that attacks the body’s immune system and weakens the victim to fight against the infections.

The cardiovascular influence for the patients with HIV prolongs to end-stage situations like heart failure or cardiac arrest. A recent study has found that the patients who are HIV positive are at a higher risk of heart failure as compared to the people who are not victims of this virus. According to this study findings, the maximum number of patients with HIV are prone to develop cardiac failure compared to the community without human immunodeficiency virus. Though HIV-positive patients are getting intensive care and medical attention, if by chance some misleading happens while checking the regular recovery and the risk factor of developing heart failure increases, it would be fatal. The Maraviroc is a medication generally given to HIV patients who have already obtained HIV treatment earlier.

Maraviroc

Maraviroc is an antiretroviral medication in the CCR5 receptor antagonist class used to treat human immunodeficiency virus. It is used in combination with other drugs in the therapy of HIV.

Maraviroc would not prevent or cure AIDS or HIV infection; instead, it will help resist the reproduction of HIV and hence slow down the destruction of immune response. This will certainly assist in delaying the development of situations that generally occur from HIV or AIDS disease. This drug will not safeguard the patient from spreading AIDS to other patients. Though people receiving this medication will not lose much of their body’s immunity, they may persist in having some of the issues related to AIDS. This medicine is only allowed for dispensing if with a proper prescription.

Mechanism of action of Maraviroc

Maraviroc acts as an entry inhibitor. The maraviroc is CCT5’s negative allosteric modulator found on the distinct human cells. CCR5 is a chemokine receptor which is an essential co-receptor for maximum strains of HIV and mandatory for the entrance operation of the virus into the host cell. The drug blocks the gp120 HIV protein from correlating with the receptor by binding to CCR5. Thus, the virus cannot enter human host cells.

Administration and dosage of Maraviroc

This medication is available in both solution and tablet form. The dose of this medication differs according to the patient’s condition and the strength of the drug, which is prescribed properly by the respective physicians. Do not miss the dose.

This medicine can be taken with or without food. If tablet dosage form is consumed, then swallow it as a whole, do not crush, break or chew it and if liquid dosage forms, then the proper oral dose should be taken.

Side effects of Maraviroc

Along with the beneficial results, side effects can also be caused by a drug. According to the severity of the side effects, immediate medical attention is needed.

The most common side effects of Maraviroc are as follows:

• Hurting or burning of the skin
• Body pain and aches
• Headache
• Loss of voice
• Chills
• Dizziness while getting up abruptly from a sitting or lying posture
• Tenderness or pain around the cheekbones and eyes
• Sneezing
• Breathing issues
• Runny nose and cough stimulating mucus
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Improper bowel movement
• Loss or increase in appetite

Some of the less common side effects of maraviroc are as follows:

• Jaw, arm, or back pain
• Itchy eyes that may feel dry or burning
• Heaviness and chest pain
• Dark colored urine or blood in the urine
• Change in stools
• Drowsiness
• Rash and itchiness
• Loss of taste
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Irritability
• Heartburn
• Weight gain or loss
• Warts in the genital region

Some side effects generally do not require medical attention and may go away with the treatment; however, seek proper medical attention if it lasts. And always consume the medicines only with proper prescription by the physician.