What is Enfuvirtide?
Enfuvirtide is a medication that blocks the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from infecting healthy cells within your body.Enfuvirtide can be used in conjunction with other drugs for treating HIV, a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Enfuvirtide is not an answer to HIV or AIDS.Enfuvirtide is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Enfuvirtide
Seek medical attention immediately If you notice symptoms or warning signs of a reaction, an allergic skin reaction or hives, vomiting or urine that is bloody or causes breathing problems, and an increase in your blood pressure; swelling of your face, feet, lips, tongue, or throat.
Enfuvirtide may cause serious side effects. For immediate attention in cases of:
- Breathlessness;
- Fever chills chest congestion colds, chest congestion with green or yellow mucus, chest pain that is stabbing or wheezing;
- The fever, vomiting, and itchy skin;
- Extreme discomfort in your stomach expanding to your back, sickness, and vomiting
- The presence of blood in your urine.
- Swelling of your feet;
an allergic reaction to the skin (itching, swelling, redness, pain, or a lump of a hard substance) in the area where the medication is injected. - Oozing, pain, or redness after injections were administered, particularly if these symptoms persist or get worse for more than 7 days.
Enfuvirtide impacts your immune system and can cause certain adverse effects (even days or months after taking the drug). Inform your doctor when you experience:
- Indications of recent signs of a new fever, night sweats, swollen glands Cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss
- Difficulties swallowing or speaking; issues with balance or the eye; weakness; a prickly sensation;
- Swelling in your throat or neck (enlarged thyroid), menstrual cycles, impotence
Common side effects of enfuvirtide include:
- Nausea or loss of appetite constipation diarrhea, nausea
- Pain or numbness in your feet or legs;
- Muscle pain or weakness;
- Depression;
- Swollen glands, runny or stuffy nose;
- Weight loss;
- Tiredness, trouble sleeping, tired;
- Discomfort, swelling, or burning in the area where the medicine was injected.
This list does not represent all possible side effects; additional ones could arise. Please consult your physician regarding adverse reactions; for any further assistance please reach out to 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild
Warnings
Some patients taking enfuvirtide may have been diagnosed with the condition known as pneumonia. It's not known if it is enfuvirtide that causes pneumonia, but taking this medicine can increase your risk of developing it. You could also be more susceptible to contracting pneumonia when you smoke, have had an illness of the lung, or have a history of intravenous (IV) medication.Contact your physician if you are suffering from a fever, chills, a mucusy cough, chest pains, or breathlessness.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use enfuvirtide if you have an allergy to it.Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Breathing issues breathing problems
- A blood clotting or bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia.
Being diagnosed with HIV can make it easier to contract other illnesses. Certain people who are taking enfuvirtide have been diagnosed with the condition of pneumonia. It is not known if enfuvirtide could be the cause of pneumonia; however, taking enfuvirtide can increase the risk of developing You could also be more likely to get pneumonia in the event that you smoke, you've had any lung diseases, or you have an antecedent in the past of intracavenous (IV) drug usage.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, and make sure you use the correct medications to manage your infection. HIV could be transmitted to your child if the virus is not managed during pregnancy. Your name could be included on a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medication on your baby.Women suffering from HIV or AIDS are not allowed to breastfeed babies. Even if the baby is born with no HIV or AIDS, the virus could be transmitted to your baby by the milk you give it.Enfuvirtide is not a drug that has been approved for use by children younger than 6 years old.
How to take Enfuvirtide?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and review all medication guides and instructions. Make sure you use the medication as prescribed. Enfuvirtide is best administered together with other antiviral drugs; it is not recommended to use it on its own.Enfuvirtide can be injected under the skin. The doctor may instruct you on the proper use of the drug yourself.Follow and read carefully any instructions for use that come with your medication. Don't use enfuvirtide if you aren't sure of the instructions for its proper use. Consult your physician or pharmacist for any concerns.Enfuvirtide needs to be mixed with a liquid (diluent) prior to use. If you are using injections on your own, ensure that you know how to blend and keep the medication. Do not shake the mixed medicine, or it could foam.Make sure to prepare your injection when you are prepared to administer it. Don't use it when the medication appears unclear, has changed color, or has particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about the latest medication.
Avoid mixing enfuvirtide with other medicines in one syringe.Your doctor will inform you where to inject the drug enfuvirtide. Make sure to inject at a different location every time you administer an injection. Make sure you don't inject in the same area twice in the same row.Make sure to take this medication for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Inadequate doses can increase the chance of the virus developing resistance to the medication.Utilize all HIV medications according to the directions and follow the medication guidelines you are given. Don't alter your dose or schedule of dosing without the guidance of your doctor. Anyone suffering from HIV must remain under the supervision of a physician.You'll require regular medical tests.The powder that is not mixed can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, free of heat and moisture.Keep the dilute at ambient temperatures.Place the medicine in the refrigerator. make use of it for 24 hours. Do not put it in the freezer.The single-use bottle (bottle) that contains this medication is only for one usage. Dispose of it after just one time, even if there's remaining medicine inside.Use a needle or the syringe only once and put them in the puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for HIV Infection:
90 mg subcutaneously once a day, taken into the abdomen, upper arm, or anterior thigh
Usual Pediatric Dose for HIV Infection:
From 6 to 16 years old, 2 mg/kg subcutaneously once every day through the abdomen, upper arm, or anterior thigh
Maximum dosage: 90 mg subcutaneously, twice every day.
17 years old or older Age 17 or older: 90 mg subcutaneously once every day, injected into the abdomen, upper arm, or anterior thigh
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the missed dose when you remember. Do not take any missed doses if it's nearing the time for the next dose.Do not take extra medicine in an attempt to make up for missed dosage.
Make sure you refill your prescription before the expiration date of your medication.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention immediately or reach out for help at the Poison Help Line by dialing 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not inject enfuvirtide close to your knee, elbow, navel, groin, or buttocks. Avoid injecting into scars, moles, tattoos, burns, scratches, or skin that is not healthy.Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects this medicine has on your body. Your reaction could be affected.This medicine won't stop your illness from spreading. Don't engage in sexual activity that is not protected or share toothbrushes, razors, or razors. Discuss with your physician safe methods to avoid HIV transmission through sex. Sharing needles with medicine or drugs is not safe, even for a healthy individual.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of all medicines taken, including:
- A blood thinner—Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with Enfuvirtide, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
