What is this medication for?
Enfuvirtide belongs to a class of medications known as antiretroviral agents. It is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for people whose current medication therapy is not working. HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Enfuvirtide is the first of a new class of medications called HIV fusion inhibitors. It works by interfering with the entry of HIV into human cells. It does this by inhibiting the joining of the virus with the human cell.
Enfuvirtide does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It slows further growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications, and it seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help to delay the development of problems that are related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended adult dose is 90 mg (1 mL) injected under the skin twice daily. For children 6 to 16 years old, the dosage is based on body weight. The recommended dose is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight twice daily, up to a maximum dose of 90 mg twice daily injected under the skin.
This medication must only be mixed with 1.1 mL of sterile water for injection. After adding the water, the vial should be gently tapped for 10 seconds and then allowed to stand until the powder completely dissolves. This could take up to 45 minutes.
Only use the solution if it appears clear, colorless, and without bubbles or particles. The mixed solution should be injected immediately or stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours. The refrigerated solution should be brought to room temperature before injection and should only be used if the solution appears clear, colorless, and without bubbles or particles.
The solution should be injected under the skin in the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh. The injection should be given at a different site different each time and where there is no rash, redness, or pain. Also, do not inject into moles, scar tissue, bruises, or belly button.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your usual dosing schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this medication. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
The powder for the solution should be stored at room temperature. The reconstituted solution (the powder mixed with sterile water) should be stored in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) for no longer than 24 hours. Unused portions remaining in the single-use vial should be thrown away.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Enfuvirtide should not be used by anyone who is allergic to enfuvirtide or any ingredients of the medication.
