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Overview: Fuzeon is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It works by helping to stop the spread of HIV in your body. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, tiredness, and irritation at the injection site. You will get this medicine from an injection under the skin on your upper arm, outer thigh, or stomach area. Talk to your health care provider if you do not know how to use this medicine.

Uses

What is Fuzeon used for?

Fuzeon (enfuvirtide) is used to treat HIV.

Fuzeon may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Fuzeon work (mechanism of action)?

Fuzeon works to help stop the spread of HIV in your body. A lower amount of HIV in your body helps protect and preserve the immune system.

How is Fuzeon supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fuzeon

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 90 mg/mL single-dose vial

How should I store Fuzeon?

Fuzeon should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. After mixing Fuzeon, it can be stored in the original vial in the refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C) for up to 24 hours. Throw away any mixed Fuzeon after 24 hours.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Fuzeon?

The most common side effects of Fuzeon are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Injection site reactions (see below)
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness

There may be other side effects of Fuzeon that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Fuzeon?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Fuzeon are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Injection Site Reactions. People using Fuzeon commonly have injection site reactions such as pain, discomfort, redness, rash, itching, and bruising. Contact your health care provider right away if you have pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site that lasts for several days or worsens.

Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can make it hard to breathe. Some people using Fuzeon have developed pneumonia. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of pneumonia.

  • Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
  • Increased mucus or change in mucus color
  • Worsening cough
  • Fever or chills

Immune System Changes. When you start Fuzeon, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection.

  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Vision problems
  • Confusion, problems talking, or headache
  • Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Weakness or coordination problems

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fuzeon may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Fuzeon and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Fuzeon?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Fuzeon.

  • Enfuvirtide
  • Fuzeon
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Fuzeon.

What should I know about Fuzeon before using it?

Do not use Fuzeon unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Fuzeon with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

This medicine is injected under the skin of your upper arm, stomach area, or outer thigh. Do not use this medicine at the same place for each injection. You will want to vary where you inject yourself. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Fuzeon. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep Fuzeon out of the reach of children.

Fuzeon can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Fuzeon affects you.

While Fuzeon can help keep the HIV infection under control, it does not cure it. Fuzeon does not help protect against or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Fuzeon?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Fuzeon is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding problems like hemophilia
  • Take a medicine that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin
  • Lung problems
  • Alcohol or substance use disorder
  • Smoke

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Fuzeon could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Fuzeon while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Fuzeon, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while using Fuzeon. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. There may be risks with breastfeeding while using Fuzeon and having HIV.

How can I get more information about Fuzeon?

For more information about Fuzeon, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.fuzeon.com or call them at 877-436-3683.

Interactions

Does Fuzeon interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Fuzeon and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Fuzeon.

Does Fuzeon interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Fuzeon and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Fuzeon?

If you or someone else has used too much Fuzeon, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Fuzeon?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Missing doses of Fuzeon can cause it to not work as well over time. So, it is important not to miss or skip doses.