enfuvirtide

Enfuvirtide (or T-20) is the first of a new class of drugs called fusion inhibitors, so called because they stop HIV from binding to and entering the human cell. Once HIV has attached to a receptor, it needs to bind to glycoprotein 41 (gp41) on the cell surface. T-20 binds to gp41, preventing HIV from entering the CD4 cell.

Enfuvirtide has to be injected under the skin twice daily. Almost everyone who uses it gets skin reactions where it is injected. Most of these are not serious.

Enfuvirtide is designed for people who have developed multiple drug resistanceHIV which has mutated and is less susceptible to the effects of one or more anti-HIV drugs is said to be resistant.. It has not been trialed in treatment-naïve patients.

About this treatment

Generic name:	enfuvirtide (T-20)
Pronunciation:	en-FOO-vi-tide
Brand name:	Fuzeon
Drug class:	fusion inhibitor
Availability in Australia:	Available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) through S100 prescribers. This drug may be available through clinical trials in Australia. You may be able to import this drug from overseas for your personal use.
Presentation:	90 mg vial
What the treatment guidelines say:	Local injection site reactions – almost 100% of patients (pain, erythema, induration, nodules and cysts, pruritus, ecchymosis). Increased bacterial pneumonia. Hypersensitivity reaction (<1%) - symptoms may include rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, rigors, hypotension, or elevated serum transaminases; rechallenge is not recommended
Links:	http://www.pbs.gov.au/html/consumer/search/results?term=ENFUVIRTIDE&publication=HS http://www.aidsmap.com/cms1315511.aspx http://www.thebody.com/content/art6038.html

Taking it

Like all anti-HIV drugs, enfuvirtide must be taken in combination with other drugs to be completely effective. Your doctor will advise you on the right combination of drugs to suit your circumstances.

Dosage

One 90 mg vial by subcutaneous injection twice a day.

Regardless of what you read on this website or elsewhere, you should always take your medications according to your doctor's instructions. If you're unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects

All drugs can produce side effects in some people. These may be mild, moderate or severe, so you should be aware of potential side effects before starting any drug, and speak to your doctor if you experience side effects that concern you.

Common side effects may include injection site reactions.
Less common side effects may include headache, peripheral neuropathy, insomnia, eosinophilia.
Rare side effects may include bacterial pneumonia, lymphadenopathy.

It's unlikely you will experience all of these side effects, and you may not experience any side effects at all. Before starting any new drug, ask your doctor about side effects you might experience and discuss strategies for dealing with side effects if they do occur. If you experience any significant side effect you should continue taking your medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Interactions with other drugs

There are no known clinically significant interactions between enfuvirtide and any other medications.