Jump to: Introduction: Why Do We Need a New Class of HIV Medications? Entry Inhibitors: A New Class of HIV Medications How Does Fuzeon Work? What We Know About Fuzeon Who Fuzeon Works Best For Fuzeon's Side Effects Conclusion: Fuzeon's Role in Treatment Ten Tips on Injecting Fuzeon Glossary

Is there one type of patient who would most benefit from Fuzeon? After analyzing the TORO studies, researchers discovered four factors that could statistically predict whether a person's viral load will drop below 400 copies after 24 weeks of taking an optimized background regimen with Fuzeon.

People were more likely to be successful on this regimen if, at the time they started it:

• Their CD4 count was more than 100.
• Their viral load was less than 100,000.
• They had already used 10 or fewer HIV medications.
• They began Fuzeon treatment with at least two other HIV medications that still worked against HIV, as judged by a resistance test.

The TORO studies showed that Fuzeon tends to work better for people with less-advanced HIV infection -- a conclusion that is similar to most of the findings for all other HIV medications currently in use. However, what is notable about these results is that they reinforce important issues with regard to the timing of using this drug.

Because Fuzeon was developed for people who had low CD4 counts and who were already resistant to NRTIs, NNRTIs and PIs, doctors might choose to "save" Fuzeon for this late stage of treatment. Clearly, for those with low CD4 counts and few other options, Fuzeon does represent an important breakthrough option, because it might provide at least partial suppression and increase a person's CD4 count.

However, what is clear from these analyses is that there are people with less-advanced disease who may also benefit from the inclusion of Fuzeon in their regimen. For example, someone who has already developed resistance to one NRTI/NNRTI-based regimen and one PI-based regimen -- and who is about to start on a third regimen -- might also benefit from including Fuzeon as the "anchor" in his or her next regimen. The timing of using Fuzeon is among the most complex discussions that doctors must have with patients when dealing with resistance and treatment options.

In summary: While there are many details that must be considered when deciding on your next regimen and predicting its success, it is at least important, based on the data currently available, to consider adding Fuzeon to your regimen well before you develop complete resistance to virtually all other medications. Waiting until that happens will only limit Fuzeon's benefit.

Previous | Next