Enfuvirtide (Injection)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The HIV virus causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Enfuvirtide does not cure HIV or AIDS, but it may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Fuzeon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to enfuvirtide.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable, Solution, Swab

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not give yourself a shot into your navel (belly button) or into any skin where you have a mole, scar, or bruise.
• Use a new needle, syringe, and vial of medicine each time you inject your medicine.
• This medicine comes as a powder that must be mixed with a special liquid before using. Use only the sterile water that came with your medicine to prepare it. Do not shake the medicine after adding the water. Wait for the powdered medicine to completely dissolve in the water before using it. This may take up to 45 minutes.
• Enfuvirtide is used with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Use all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• It is very important that you receive all of your doses of this medicine on time. Keep a written record of the times that you take this medicine. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you need ideas about how to keep with your schedule.
• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the powdered medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. After mixing the powder with the liquid, use the mixture right away or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not store the mixture in the syringe. When you use a mixture that has been in the refrigerator, let it slowly return to room temperature before giving yourself a shot.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have ever had lung disease. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
• You might sometimes have a mild skin reaction where the shot was given. You might feel mild pain or discomfort, or have a hard spot or bump. Your skin might itch, or it might look red, swollen, or bruised. The reaction usually lasts fewer than 7 days. Ask your doctor what to do if you have a reaction. Do not give yourself another shot in an area where you are still having a reaction.
• Call your doctor right away if you have a severe skin reaction, or if you think you have an infection. Some signs of an infection are pus or oozing where the shot was given, or skin swelling, redness, heat, or pain that gets worse.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.
• You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blood in your urine
• Coughing and painful, difficult, or fast breathing
• Dizziness, muscle stiffness, severe nausea and vomiting
• Fever with vomiting and skin rash
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite
• Mild muscle aches
• Mild tiredness or trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.