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Enfuvirtide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 2, 2025.

Applies to enfuvirtide: subcutaneous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of enfuvirtide

Along with its needed effects, enfuvirtide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking enfuvirtide:

More common side effects

  • awkwardness
  • burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • cough
  • headache
  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • tightness of the chest
  • troubled breathing
  • unsteadiness

Less common side effects

  • bloating
  • chills
  • constipation
  • dark urine
  • dry or itching eyes
  • excessive tearing
  • eye discharge
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • indigestion
  • itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin at the injection site
  • loss of appetite
  • lump or growth on the skin
  • nausea
  • pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
  • redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
  • swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • vomiting
  • yellow eyes or skin

Rare side effects

  • difficulty in swallowing
  • skin itching, rash, or redness
  • swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

Incidence not known

  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • chest pain
  • decreased frequency or amount of urine
  • inability to move the arms and legs
  • increased blood pressure
  • increased thirst
  • lower back or side pain
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
  • swelling of the face, fingers, lower legs
  • ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weight gain

Other side effects of enfuvirtide

Some side effects of enfuvirtide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material
  • bruising
  • burning or stinging of the skin
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • discouragement
  • dry mouth
  • fear
  • feeling sad or empty
  • hard lump
  • irritability
  • lack or loss of strength
  • large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
  • muscle pain
  • nervousness
  • painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
  • small lumps under the skin
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping
  • unusually warm skin
  • weight loss

Less common side effects

  • bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas
  • change in taste
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • joint pain
  • pus at the hair root
  • stomach pain

Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to enfuvirtide: subcutaneous kit, subcutaneous powder for injection.

General adverse events

In general, the most common side effects in patients receiving enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included injection site reactions, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.[Ref]

Local

Local side effects have been reported in 98% of patients and have included pain/discomfort at the injection site (96%), induration (90%), erythema (91%), nodules and cysts (80%), pruritus (65%), ecchymosis (52%), injection site infection (including abscess and cellulitis, 1.7%), minor local bleeding, injection site reactions, injection site mass, injection site inflammation, and injection site edema. The administration of enfuvirtide using the Biojector (R) 2000 needle-free device has been associated with hematomas, bruising, tenderness, and swelling. At least one case of localized amyloidosis at the site of enfuvirtide injection has been reported.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included diarrhea (31.7%), nausea (22.8%), abdominal pain (3.9%), dry mouth (2.1%), pancreatitis (3.0%), abdominal distension, vomiting, flatulence, and oral candidiasis. Constipation, increased amylase, and increased lipase have also been reported; however, causality has not been determined.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included hypersensitivity reactions in less than 1% of patients and in some cases have recurred upon rechallenge. Signs and symptoms of reactions have included rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, rigors, hypotension, elevated liver transaminases, primary immune complex reaction, respiratory distress, glomerulonephritis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Worsening of abacavir hypersensitivity reaction has been reported; however, causality has not been established. General allergic reaction (not defined as hypersensitivity reaction) has also been reported.[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects associated with enfuvirtide in combination with a background regimen have included decreased weight (6.6%), decreased appetite (3.2%), anorexia (2.3%), and hyperlipemia. Increased triglycerides and hyperglycemia have also been reported; however, causality has not been established.[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included peripheral neuropathy, taste disturbance, sixth nerve palsy and fatal Guillain-Barre syndrome have also been reported; however, causality has not been established. Dizziness, headache, and epidural abscess have also been reported. The administration of enfuvirtide using the Biojector (R) 2000 needle-free device has been associated with neuralgia and/or paresthesia (nerve pain) lasting up to 6 months when injected at sites where large nerves run close to the skin.[Ref]

Other

Other side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included fatigue (20.2%), herpes simplex (3.5%), influenza-like illness (2.4%), malaise, fever, and chills. Asthenia and sepsis have also been reported; however, causality has not been determined.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included insomnia, depression, anxiety, and suicide attempt; however, causality has not been established. Abnormal thinking and agitation have also been reported.[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included cough (3.9%), sinusitis (6.0%), bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. Pneumonia (2.7%), including fatalities, pneumopathy, and respiratory distress have also been reported; however, causality has not been determined. Patients should be carefully monitored for symptoms of pneumonia.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included folliculitis (2.4%), dermatitis, pruritus, dry skin, skin papilloma, skin discoloration, and rash (not defined as hypersensitivity reaction).[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included myalgia (2.7%), limb pain (2.9%), and increased creatine phosphokinase (Grade 3, 6.9%; Grade 4, 2.6%). Vertebral osteomyelitis has also been reported.[Ref]

Ocular

Ocular side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included conjunctivitis (2.0%).[Ref]

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included eosinophilia (1 to 2 times ULN, 9.1%; greater than 2 times ULN, 1.8%), leukopenia, and anemia. Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and lymphadenopathy have also been reported; however, causality has not been established.[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects have included glomerulonephritis, tubular necrosis, renal insufficiency, and renal failure (including fatalities); however, causality has not been established.[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included increased ALT (Grade 3, 4.1%; Grade 4, 1.2%). Increased AST, increased GGT, toxic hepatitis, and hepatic steatosis have also been reported; however, causality has not been determined.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects associated with enfuvirtide and a background regimen have included unstable angina pectoris; however, causality has not been established.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included hematuria.[Ref]

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects have included immune reconstitution syndrome, opportunistic infections, and general infectious diseases. Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Graves' disease, polymyositis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome) have been reported in the setting of immune reconstitution.[Ref]

References

1. (2003) "Product Information. Fuzeon (enfuvirtide)." Roche Laboratories

2. Lalezari JP, Eron JJ, Carlson M, et al. (2003) "A phase II clinical study of the long-term safety and antiviral activity of enfuvirtide-based antiretroviral therapy." AIDS, 17, p. 691-698

3. Lalezari JP, Henry K, O'Hearn M, et al. (2003) "Enfuvirtide, an HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, for drug-resistant HIV infection in North and South America." N Engl J Med, 348, p. 2175-85

4. Mould DR, Zhang X, Nieforth K, Salgo M, Buss N, Patel IH (2005) "Population pharmacokinetics and exposure-response relationship of enfuvirtide in treatment-experienced human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 77, p. 515-28

5. Oldfield V, Keating GM, Plosker G (2005) "Enfuvirtide: a review of its use in the management of HIV infection." Drugs, 65, p. 1139-60

6. Castagna A, Biswas P, Beretta A, Lazzarin A (2005) "The appealing story of HIV entry inhibitors : from discovery of biological mechanisms to drug development." Drugs, 65, p. 879-904

7. Maggi P, Ladisa N, Cinori E, Altobella A, Pastore G, Filotico R (2004) "Cutaneous injection site reactions to long-term therapy with enfuvirtide." J Antimicrob Chemother, 53, p. 678-81

8. Ball RA, Kinchelow T (2003) "Injection site reactions with the HIV-1 fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide." J Am Acad Dermatol, 49, p. 826-31

9. Lazzarin A, Clotet B, Cooper D, et al. (2003) "Efficacy of enfuvirtide in patients infected with drug-resistant HIV-1 in Europe and Australia." N Engl J Med, 348, p. 2186-95

10. Thompson M, Dejesus E, Richmond G, et al. (2006) "Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of once-daily versus twice-daily dosing with enfuvirtide in HIV-infected subjects." AIDS, 20, p. 397-404

11. Polizzotto MN, Street AM, Wright E (2007) "The Safety and Efficacy of Enfuvirtide Therapy for HIV Infection in Patients with Hemophilia: A Case Series." Clin Infect Dis, 45, e39-41

12. Warnke D, Barreto J, Temesgen Z (2007) "Antiretroviral drugs." J Clin Pharmacol, 47, p. 1570-9

13. Belperio PS, Mole LA, Halloran J, Boothroyd DB, Thomas IC, Backus LI (2008) "Postmarketing use of enfuvirtide in veterans: provider compliance with criteria for use, overall efficacy, and tolerability." Ann Pharmacother, 42, p. 1573-80

14. Kilby JM, Lalezari JP, Eron JJ, et al. (2002) "The safety, plasma pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity of subcutaneous enfuvirtide (T-20), a peptide inhibitor of gp41-mediated virus fusion, in HIV-infected adults." AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses, 18, p. 685-93

15. Clotet B, Raffi F, Cooper D, et al. (2004) "Clinical management of treatment-experienced, HIV-infected patients with the fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide: consensus recommendations." AIDS, 18, p. 1137-46

16. Shahar E, Moar C, Pollack S (2005) "Successful desensitization of enfuvirtide-induced skin hypersensitivity reaction." AIDS, 19, p. 451-2

17. Portilla J, Boix V, Merino E, Reus S, Segui JM, Lopez-Azkarreta I (2004) "Vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess in a patient receiving enfuvirtide." Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 23, p. 580-1

18. Harris M, Joy R, Larsen G, et al. (2006) "Enfuvirtide plasma levels and injection site reactions using a needle-free gas-powered injection system (Biojector)." AIDS, 20, p. 719-23

19. Harris M, Larsen G, Valyi M, Walker E, Montaner JS (2006) "Transient neuropathy after needle-free injection outside of recommended sites." AIDS, 20, p. 784-5

20. Machado ES, Passoni LF, Sidi LC, Andrade HB, De Menezes JA (2006) "Successful desensitization of enfuvirtide after a first attempt failure." AIDS, 20, p. 2130-1

21. Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adult and Adolescents. NIH. National Institute of Health (2008) Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in HIV-1-infected adults and adolescents. http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf

22. The National Institutes of Health, UMDNJ, The Health Resources and Services Administration, The Working Group on Antiretroviral Therapy and Medical Management of HIV-Infected Children Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center (2008) Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in pediatric HIV infection. http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/PediatricGuidelines.pdf

23. Borras-Blasco J, Navarro-Ruiz A, Borras C, Castera E (2008) "Adverse cutaneous reactions associated with the newest antiretroviral drugs in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection." J Antimicrob Chemother, 62, p. 879-88

24. Morilla ME, Kocher J, Harmaty M (2009) "Localized amyloidosis at the site of enfuvirtide injection." Ann Intern Med, 151, p. 515-6

25. Desimone JA, Ojha A, Pathak R, Cohn J (2004) "Successful Desensitization to Enfuvirtide after a Hypersensitivity Reaction in an HIV-1-Infected Man." Clin Infect Dis, 39, e110-2

26. Beilke MA (2004) "Acute hypersensitivity reaction to enfuvurtide upon re-challenge." Scand J Infect Dis, 36, p. 778

27. Julg B, Bogner J, Goebel F (2006) "Severe hepatotoxicity associated with the combination of enfuvirtide and tipranavir/ritonavir: case report." AIDS, 20, p. 1563

Further information

Enfuvirtide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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