T-20
T-20 is also called enfuvirtide or Fuzeon. It is an entry inhibitor that will work against HIV that is resistant to other drug classes.
It is rarely used in 2021 and has been rarely used for the last ten years.
T-20 has to be used in combination with other active drugs if it is to provide long-term benefit. Do not use T-20 if it is the only active drug in your combination.
T-20 is injected under the skin (subcutaneous) twice a day. Training is provided so you can do this yourself at home.
If you have resistance to all available drugs, and your CD4 count is stable, almost at any level above 50 cells/mm3, it is be better to save T-20 until you can use it with these or other new drugs.
If your CD4 count is less that 50 cells/mm3 then T-20 can boost your CD4 count in the short term, even though resistance can easily develop if viral load stays detectable.
T-20 is an important option. As well as reducing viral load it can protect you from developing resistance to the other drugs in your combination.
T-20 may be a drug that you only need to use until a new drug becomes available.
Although it is inconvenient and difficult, it could be a lifesaver while waiting for new drugs. See here for information about how to reduce side effects with T-20.
Very few people now use T-20 in the UK.
An updated version of this drug (called albuvirtide) that only needs a weekly injection, is currently in research studies.
Last updated: 1 August 2021.