Enfuvirtide is used together with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only helps to keep the virus in check and can help improve the quality of life. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
Enfuvirtide is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Enfuvirtide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. Do not inject near the navel (belly button), moles, areas with visible blood vessels, or areas where the skin is bruised, burned, or scarred.
Make sure you know how to prepare and administer this medicine. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Enfuvirtide must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If it is less than 6 hours before the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Enfuvirtide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding problems
- chronic hepatitis B (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through contact with infected blood or other body fluids) or hepatitis C (contagious liver infection caused by a virus that is spread through exposure to infected blood [blood-to-blood contact]) infection
- severe immune deficiency (weak or impaired immune system)
- history of lung disease
- liver disease
- moderate to severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is best that you do not breastfeed as HIV passes into the breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding in order to reduce the risk of passing HIV to your baby. It is recommended to give your baby commercial infant formula provided that you have access to clean water and facilities.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Enfuvirtide to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. amount of HIV in a blood sample) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Enfuvirtide is not a cure for HIV. It only helps to slow down the development of HIV infection.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual contact or contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you use proper precautions to avoid spreading HIV infection to others.
Both this medicine and HIV may weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid crowded places or those who are sick to minimise the risk of catching an infection. While undergoing treatment, you may develop other infections or experience other health problems. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed check-ups.
Enfuvirtide may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, weight loss, tiredness, pain or numbness in arms, feet or legs, irritability, and redness, swelling, or pain in the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, huge weight gain
- signs and symptoms of infection e.g. fever, weakness, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath
- signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves) e.g. weakness, burning, numbness, or tingling sensations that are not normal
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking blood-thinning medicines.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store the vial in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Once the solution has been prepared for injection, administer it immediately. If the prepared solution cannot be injected immediately, it must be stored in the refrigerator (between 2-8°C) and should be used within 24 hours.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Throw away any unused solution.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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