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Fusion inhibitors are the newest family of medications. Fusion inhibitors keep the HIV from holding on to the CD4 cells. So far there is only one drug in this family available for use but many more are being studied by scientists.
- T20 — also called Fuzeon. It is given with the other medications listed above in people that have been through many of the other medications and who have a lot of resistance to the other medicines. It is also given to people who have virus levels out of control in spite of medications (known as salvage therapy). It is not routinely used for treatment of people who have many other medication options left, at least not at this time.
- Dosing: Fuzeon is a white medication that is mixed with sterile water and then given with a needle by injection twice a day. It is not available in any other form.
- Side effects: Include pain, swelling, bumps, redness, or bruises at the point where the medication was injected. Also, rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, low blood pressure, and liver irritation. There may also be a higher risk of pneumonia in patients on fuzeon.
- Comment: Fuzeon should not be taken by anyone pregnant or who may become pregnant or is breastfeeding.
[Keywords:HIV]
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