The Bottom Line

Fuzeon, the first approved fusion inhibitor, represents just one of what we hope will be many new classes of HIV meds. Each new class of meds provides a unique means of fighting HIV, and gives hope to people who are running out of treatment options.

Like any other HIV medication, though, Fuzeon isn't a cure, and it can't do the job all by itself. Although it works differently from other HIV meds, and needs to be injected, ultimately, it is just another HIV medication. This means that for it to work best, Fuzeon needs to be taken with other HIV meds. When it is, it can keep the HIV in your body at bay for a long time -- possibly many years -- and help your immune system rebuild itself.

Fuzeon also has many of the same vulnerabilities that all HIV medications have. HIV can develop resistance to it (especially if you often forget to take all of your doses on time), and it does have side effects, although those side effects are generally milder than those of many other HIV meds.

We hope this booklet has given you a better understanding of how Fuzeon works and why it's such an important part of the HIV treatment picture. Don't let this booklet be your only source of information, however. Seek out support groups, do your own research, and make sure that you and your doctor talk -- frequently and in detail -- about your health, your HIV treatment plans, and the pros and cons of taking a med like Fuzeon. The more you take charge of your medical care and the more you learn about how HIV treatment works, the better off you'll be.

Stay healthy, and thank you for reading!

Copyright © 2005 Body Health Resources Corporation. All rights reserved.