Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Fuzeon.
Diabetes: Enfuvirtide may cause increased blood glucose levels, causing decreased diabetes control. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Fuzeon may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fuzeon, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hypersensitivity reaction: Enfuvirtide may cause hypersensitivity reactions for some people. If you experience symptoms such as rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, tremors, or severe dizziness, you should get medical attention right away.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome: Fuzeon may cause immune reconstitution syndrome, where signs and symptoms of inflammation from previous infections appear. These symptoms occur soon after starting anti-HIV medication and can vary. They are thought to occur as a result of the immune system improving and being able to fight infections that have been present without symptoms (such as pneumonia, herpes, or Tuberculosis). Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Pneumonia: People taking enfuvirtide may have a higher risk of pneumonia caused by bacteria. If you have risk factors for pneumonia, such as being a smoker, using IV drugs, or having previous lung disease, discuss with your doctor how Fuzeon may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fuzeon, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you see signs of pneumonia (e.g., coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain) while taking Fuzeon, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Fuzeon should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Fuzeon, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if enfuvirtide passes into breast milk. Women who have HIV infection are cautioned against breast-feeding because of the risk of passing HIV to a baby who does not have the infection.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Fuzeon have not been established for children less than 6 years of age.