Enfuvirtide Injection (ENFUVIRTIDE - INJECTION)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • HIV
  • prevent infection

Brand Name(s): Fuzeon

Generic Name: Enfuvirtide

Instructions

This medicine is injected into the skin. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist where on your body this medicine can be injected and how to inject it.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

The medicine needs to be mixed before being injected.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Keep at room temperature until mixing. Refrigerate any extra mixed medicine until ready to use it.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

If your medicine is stored in the refrigerator, take it out of the refrigerator before use to warm to room temperature.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Discard any unused, mixed medicine after 24 hours in refrigerator.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

Clean the injection site with alcohol before applying the injector.

Space doses evenly to keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.

Do not inject into moles, scars, stretch marks, or into skin that is tender, bruised, red, scaly, thickened, or hard.

Do not inject near the navel or at the waistline.

Do not inject into the buttock or near the elbow, knee, or groin.

Change location of injection each time.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine.

Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • bruising, bumps, or hardened skin at the injection site
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • runny nose

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • decreased appetite
  • loss of balance
  • cough that does not go away
  • bulging eyes
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • pus at injection site
  • irritability
  • pain in the joints
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • nervousness
  • feeling of numbness or tingling, especially around the lips and mouth
  • shortness of breath
  • skin sores
  • difficulty speaking
  • difficulty swallowing
  • difficulty adjusting to changes in temperature
  • sudden change or loss of vision
  • sudden or unexplained change in weight
  • slow wound healing

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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