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Enfuvirtide  (Systemic)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Fuzeon

Another commonly used name is T-20.

Category


Description

Enfuvirtide ( en-FYOO-vir-tide) is used, in combination with other medicines, in the treatment of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Enfuvirtide will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS; however, it helps keep HIV from reproducing and appears to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help delay the development of problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease. Enfuvirtide will not keep you from spreading HIV to other people. People who receive this medicine may continue to have other problems usually related to AIDS or HIV disease.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For enfuvirtide the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to enfuvirtide. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Enfuvirtide has not been studied in pregnant women. Enfuvirtide has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies. Enfuvirtide should be used with caution in pregnant women and should be used only if clearly needed. Discuss this with your doctor.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether enfuvirtide passes into breast milk. Mothers who are taking this medicine and wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—This medicine has been studied in children ages 6 to 16 years old and it is not expected to cause different effects than it does in adult patients.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people and it may not be known if they work the same way they do in younger adults.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of enfuvirtide. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

It is very important that you read the information for patients and the injection instructions very carefully. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions.

Enfuvirtide can be given by a health care professional. However, medicines given by injection are sometimes used at home. If you will be using enfuvirtide at home, your health care professional will teach you how get the medicine ready for injection and how the injections are to be given. Be certain that you understand exactly how to get the medicine ready for injection and how the medicine is to be injected. Do not reuse needles and syringes.

Put used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant disposable container, or dispose of them as directed by your health care professional.

It is important to take enfuvirtide as part of a combination treatment. Be sure to take all the medicines your doctor has prescribed for you, including enfuvirtide.

Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.

This medicine may cause a severe allergic reaction in some patients. Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if you notice cough; difficulty breathing; fever; skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may increase the chance of bacterial pneumonia in some patients. Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if you notice cough with fever; difficulty breathing; fast breathing; shortness of breath.

This medicine can cause reactions at the place on your body where it was injected. Almost all people get injection site reactions with enfuvirtide. These reactions hurt and itch, and they are usually mild to moderate but can occasionally be severe. These reactions generally happen within the first week of treatment and usually happen again as you keep using enfuvirtide. If the injection site nodules drain pus or cause redness that spreads or streaks from the sites, or you are worried about the reaction you are having, call your healthcare provider right away.

Dosing—

The dose of enfuvirtide can be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of enfuvirtide. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits.

Enfuvirtide does not reduce the risk of giving HIV to other people. Caution should be taken to avoid spreading HIV.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.



Developed: 11/20/2003
Revised: 03/22/2004

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