home > drugs a-z list > fuzeon (enfuvirtide) drug center > fuzeon (enfuvirtide) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Fuzeon

Generic Name: enfuvirtide (Pronunciation: en FYOO vir tide)

• What is enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?
• What are the possible side effects of enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?
• How should I use enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Fuzeon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Fuzeon)?
• What should I avoid while using enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?
• What other drugs will affect enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?

Enfuvirtide is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called fusion inhibitors. Enfuvirtide prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from entering and taking over the cells in your body.

Enfuvirtide is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Enfuvirtide is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Enfuvirtide is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of HIV.

Enfuvirtide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; fever, chills; nausea, vomiting; difficulty breathing; feeling light-headed or fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using enfuvirtide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• cough with fever, chest congestion, and shortness of breath;
• signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms.
• nerve pain lasting for several weeks or months; or
• severe or prolonged (more than 7 days) injection site reaction.

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain, itching, irritation, redness, swelling, or raised bumps under your skin where the medicine was injected;
• pain or numbness in your feet or legs;
• weakness or loss of strength;
• muscle pain;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• depression;
• loss of appetite; or
• constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)?

Before using enfuvirtide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, if you take a blood thinner such as Coumadin, or if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia. You may not be able to use enfuvirtide, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

Enfuvirtide may increase your risk of developing pneumonia, especially if you have a high viral load, a history of lung disease, or if you smoke. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of pneumonia, such as cough, fever, rapid breathing, or shortness of breath.

Do not use enfuvirtide as your only HIV medication. HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. Your disease may become resistant to enfuvirtide if you do not use it in combination with other HIV medicines your doctor has prescribed.

To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Stop using enfuvirtide and call your doctor at once if you have serious side effects such as a signs of a new infection, such as fever or chills, cough, or flu symptoms; or severe pain, irritation, or skin changes where you injected the medicine.