How Do HIV Fusion Inhibitors Work?

HIV fusion inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs that work against HIV and prevent it from fusing with the host immune cells.

The CD4+T cells of the immune system of humans are the target areas for HIV. Once the envelope protein present on the surface of HIV binds to the CD4 cell, it then binds to coreceptors like CCR5 or CXCR4. Finally, the viral cells fuse with the human cells to allow their entry into the human cells.

Fusion inhibitors act by binding to the envelope protein on the virus and preventing it from undergoing any structural changes necessary for the virus to fuse with the host CD4 cell. If HIV cannot enter the host cell membrane and infect the cell, it cannot multiply within the host cell.

HIV fusion inhibitors are administered subcutaneously to treat HIV infection.

HIV fusion inhibitors, when administered subcutaneously, can cause these side effects:

• Pain and discomfort
• Redness
• Itching
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Cough
• Muscle ache
• Pneumonia

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of HIV fusion inhibitors include:

• Enfuvirtide
• Fuzeon