Enfuvirtide

Enfuvirtide is commonly prescribed to treat the HIV infection and AIDS. It works by preventing the HIV virus from penetrating the cells of the body, inhibiting the virus from multiplying. The medication comes in the form of an injection that is given twice a day. Your enfuvirtide dosage will be based on factors such as age, weight, and other existing medical conditions.

What Is Enfuvirtide?

Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon®) is a prescription medication used as a treatment for HIV and AIDS. It is approved for use only in combination with other HIV medications. Enfuvirtide is usually reserved for people who have tried other HIV medications without success. The medication is not taken by mouth; instead, it must be injected just under the skin.
 
(Click What Is Enfuvirtide Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Enfuvirtide Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with enfuvirtide.
 However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of enfuvirtide include but are not limited to:
 
  • Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, or other problems at the site of the injection)
  • Weight loss
  • Sinus infections.
     
(Click Side Effects of Enfuvirtide to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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