What is Fuzeon?
Fuzeon, an antiviral drug, prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from infecting your healthy cells. Fuzeon can be used in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of HIV, a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Fuzeon does not cure HIV or AIDS.
Warnings
Fuzeon has caused pneumonia in some people. Enfuvirtide may cause pneumonia. However, it is unclear whether this drug is to blame. If you smoke, have lung disease, or have used intravenous drugs in the past, you may be at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Tell your doctor before using Fuzeon if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or clotting disorder, such as hemophilia, or a history of breathing problems. Fuzeon should not be used as the only HIV medication. Fuzeon should be taken in conjunction with other HIV medications. If you don't use it with the other medications prescribed by your doctor, your disease could become resistant to enfuvirtide. The majority of people who use this medicine experience a reaction on the skin (itching or redness, swelling pain, bruising, and tenderness) where it is injected. If these symptoms worsen or persist for more than seven days, call your doctor.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or have a fever and chills, call your doctor. Use all your prescribed medications according to your doctor's instructions. You should not alter your medication or doses without consulting your doctor. All people with HIV/AIDS should be under the care and supervision of a physician. You will have to test your blood often. Visit your doctor regularly. Fuzeon should be stopped immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as fever, yellow or green mucus in the cough, chest pains, difficulty breathing, sore or sore-throated throats, flu symptoms, swollen or painful glands, bleeding or easy bruising, mouth sores or severe pains in your upper abdomen, persistent nerve pains or tingling feelings, or signs of infection, such as swelling and oozing at the injection site.
Before you take this drug
Fuzeon should not be used if you have an allergy to enfuvirtide.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Breathing problems
- A bleeding disorder or blood clotting condition such as hemophilia.
HIV can make it easier to contract other infections. Some Fuzeon users have developed pneumonia. Although it is unclear whether enfuvirtide causes pneumonia, using this medication may increase your chances. If you smoke, have lung disease, or have used intravenous drugs in the past, you may be at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Use your medication properly to control infections. HIV can be transmitted to your child if you do not control the virus during pregnancy. You may have your name listed in a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medicines on a baby. Breast-feeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk. Fuzeons are not recommended for children under the age of six.
How to take Fuzeon?
Follow all instructions listed on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets carefully. Please read the instructions on your prescription label. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Fuzeon should be taken in conjunction with other antiviral medicines and not alone. Fuzeon can be injected into the skin. Healthcare provider may instruct you on how to take the medication correctly. Please read and follow all instructions for use. If you do not understand the instructions, don't use them. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Fuzeon should be mixed with liquid (diluent) before use. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store medicine properly. Don't shake the medicine to avoid foaming.
Only prepare an injection when it's time for administration. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist. Fuzeon should not be mixed with any other medication in the same syringe. Your healthcare provider will tell you where to inject Fuzeon. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice. Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. If you skip doses, your virus may become resistant to the medication. Read all the instructions and medication guides that you receive. Make sure that any adjustments to your dosage or schedule are approved by a healthcare provider before making changes on your own. Each person living with HIV should be under the care and supervision of a physician.
Medical tests will be required frequently. Fuzeon powder can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and heat. Store the diluent in a cool, dry place. Mixed medicine should be stored in the fridge and used within 24 hours. Do not freeze. This medicine comes in a single-use bottle (vial). After just one use, dispose of it even if some medicine remains inside. Just once use needles or syringes before placing them in an impervious "sharps container". Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of the reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for HIV infection:
90 mg twice daily, subcutaneously administered in the upper arm, abdomen, or anterior thigh
The usual pediatric dose for HIV infection is:
From 6 to 16 years old: Subcutaneously administered twice daily, 2 mg/kg, into the upper arm, abdomen, or anterior thigh.
Maximum dose: 90mg subcutaneously, twice daily.
For those aged 17 and older, 90 mg twice daily is subcutaneously administered in the upper arm, abdomen, or anterior thigh.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you notice, take the forgotten dose immediately. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid injecting the medicine in your elbow, knees, groins, buttocks, or navel. Do not inject this medicine into moles or scars. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly. This medicine does not stop the spread of your illness. Share razors and toothbrushes. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Even healthy individuals should never share syringes for drugs or medicines.
Side effects of Fuzeon
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, skin rash, nausea, blood in urine, difficulty breathing, fainting, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, or a skin reaction, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Fever, chills, and chest congestion with yellow or green mucus;
- Fever with skin rash and vomiting;
- Nausea or vomiting, a severe stomachache that spreads to the back.
- Blood in urine
- You may experience swelling in your feet.
- A skin reaction where the medicine has been injected (itching or redness, swelling or pain, or a hard lump);
- Pain, warmth, oozing, or redness at the injection site, especially if they get worse or persist for more than seven days.
Enfuvirtide can affect your immune system and cause side effects. These may occur even weeks or months after taking this medication. You should tell your doctor if:
- Signs of an infection: fever, sweating at night, swollen lymph glands, cold sores (cough, wheezing, diarrhea), and weight loss.
- Problems with balance, eye movements, or speech, or even a prickly sensation;
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Fuzeon can cause a variety of side effects.
- Nausea; constipation; html2_ diarrhea
- Numbness in the legs or feet
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Depressed mood
- Swollen glands; runny or stuffy nose;
- Weight loss;
- Tiredness, trouble sleeping, tired;
- Pain, swelling, irritation, or burning where the medicine has been injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- A blood thinner Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven
This list is incomplete. Enfuvirtide may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
