According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, entry inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs used in combination with other HIV drugs to treat HIV infection. Entry inhibitors prevent HIV from entering and infecting healthy human cells. Entry inhibitors do not cure HIV infection and only slow the progression of HIV to AIDS. Patients taking the drugs may still experience symptoms of HIV infection.
Selzentry
Selzentry also known as maraviroc is an entry inhibitor that prevents HIV from entering the cells. Patients allergic to maraviroc should avoid the drug. Patients taking st.John worts should also avoid the drug. Patients with liver problems including hepatitis A and B should consult the doctor before taking maraviroc. Common side effects of maraviroc include constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, sinus inflammation, stomach pain, nausea, fever and fatigue. Adverse side effects of maraviroc include sore or white patches in the mouth, sore throat, body chills, numbness and tingling of arms, severe mucle pain, seizures, persistent muscle pain, shortness of breath and severe headache.
Vicriviroc
AIDSinfo.nih.gov states that vicriviroc is an investigational entry inhibitor that prevents HIV from entering and infecting healthy human cells. Vicriviroc is in the process of being approved by the FDA.
Warning
According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration, entry inhibitors may cause permanent liver and kidney damage. Signs of kidney damage include right upper abdominal pain, nausea, pale stools, dark urine, itching and yellowing of the eyes and skin. Signs of kidney damage include decreased urination, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, wheezing and swelling of the feet. Entry inhibitors may cause changes in body fat. Patients may notice extra fat in the neck and upper back and loss of fat in the face and arms.
