ENFUVIRTIDE - INJECTION
Common Brand Name(s): Fuzeon
Phonetic Pronunciation: (en-FEW-ver-tide)
Information last revised October 2010
What does ENFUVIRTIDE - INJ look like?
Fuzeon 90 mg Sub-Q Kit
Uses:
This medication is used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. It works by blocking the HIV virus' ability to infect healthy immune cells (CD4 cells). This medication does not cure HIV. Patients treated with this medication may continue to acquire "opportunistic" infections associated with HIV. This product also does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact, blood, or sharing of needles.
Missed Dose
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
How To Use
Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously) usually twice daily into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Do not inject into the buttock or near the elbow, knee or groin. Rotate injection sites with each shot. Do not inject in or near bumps from past injections. Also, do not inject into moles, scars, bruises, or your belly button. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. It is very important to continue using this medication (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. If you have a very serious allergic reaction to enfuvirtide, do not use it again (see Side Effects section).
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparin, enoxaparin).
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood test, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Precautions
Before using enfuvirtide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems (e.g., hemophilia, coagulopathy), smoking, IV drug abuse, lung disease. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.
Storage
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Side Effects
Pain, redness, itching, bruising, hardened skin, or bumps at the injection site may occur. These types of reactions are common and may last up to 7 days. Runny nose may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: anxiety, muscle pain, numbness/tingling/shooting nerve pain near injection site, signs of injection site infection (such as oozing, warmth, persistent pain and redness), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, cough with fever, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, night sweats, vision/eye changes. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but get medical help right away if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing, fever, chills, nausea/vomiting. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
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