Axentri is an antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. It contains maraviroc as the active ingredient and is prescribed as part of combination therapy in people who are resistant to other treatments or need a different approach. What sets Axentri apart from many other HIV medicines is that it blocks the virus from entering human cells, rather than stopping it after it has entered. This unique action makes it a valuable option for certain patients with a specific type of HIV.

Mechanism of Action:
Axentri works differently from most antiretrovirals:

• Maraviroc is a CCR5 antagonist. CCR5 is a protein found on the surface of certain immune cells, and some strains of HIV use it as a gateway to enter the cell.

• Maraviroc binds to this CCR5 receptor and changes its shape so that the virus cannot attach and enter the cell.

• This effectively blocks the virus at the entry point, preventing it from infecting healthy cells and spreading throughout the body.

  Uses:
  Axentri is used for:

  • The treatment of CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infection in adults and children aged two years and older, usually in combination with other antiretroviral medicines.

  • It is particularly helpful for patients with resistant strains of HIV or those who cannot tolerate other treatment regimens.

    Adverse Effects:
    While Axentri is generally well tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects. The most commonly reported include:

    • Cough

    • Fever

    • Dizziness

    • Rash

    • Abdominal pain