Fuzeon ratings & reviews

Fuzeon is an injection containing enfuvirtide, which is an inhibitor of the fusion of HIV-1 with CD4 cells. It is available as a lyophilized powder that is reconstituted with sterile water for subcutaneous administration, delivering 90 mg per mL. Key inactive ingredients include mannitol and sodium carbonate. Fuzeon is intended to limit the spread of HIV in the body, though it is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin or into a muscle. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use exactly as directed. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medication and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store the vials of medication and the vials of water that have not been mixed at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After the medication and water have been mixed together, you can store the vial in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Burning or tingling sensation in hands or feet
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite with weight loss
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
• Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots
• An unusual or allergic reaction to enfuvirtide, mannitol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while taking this medication.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.

This medication causes injection site reactions. The reactions are usually mild to moderate, but can be severe. They usually happen within the first week of using the medication and happen again as you keep using it. Each injection site reaction does not usually last longer than 7 days. The reactions may be worse when injections are given in the same place on the body or when the injection is given deeper than it should be (for example, into the muscle). Sometimes an injection site can get infected. Be sure to follow the instructions you get with this medication. Following the instructions may help to lower your chance of getting an infection.