Enfuvirtide nursing guidelines: a report from the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Expert Panel on Enfuvirtide.

ABSTRACT

Enfuvirtide is the first of a new class of antiretrovirals know as fusion inhibitors approved for the treatment of HIV infection. It is administered via a subcutaneous injection. The patient is responsible for reconstitution from a powder and self-injection. Nurses caring for patients using enfuvirtide need a solid knowledge base about enfuvirtide administration and side effects in order to effectively educate and manage patients taking enfuvirtide. Enfuvirtide's safety and efficacy reported from phase III trials are summarized. Nursing guidelines were developed by the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care Expert Panel on Enfuvirtide. The guidelines, including suggestions on assessment, education, and management of side effects are reviewed. Teaching tools and resources are offered to assist in patient management. In addition, suggestions for proper syringe disposal and traveling with enfuvirtide are offered.