Enfuvirtide (Systemic)

Brand Names : Fuzeon

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.

• For parenteral dosage form (injection):
  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • Adults - 90 milligrams (mg) twice a day given by injection
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

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:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store reconstituted solution (mixed with water) in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours.
• Store medicine at room temperature
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.