FUZEON presents unique challenges because it is the first self-injectable antiretroviral, whereas all other treatments are oral. The study shed some light on some of the concerns from all parties involved:
- Patients are more willing to consider and use self-injectable therapy than many physicians anticipate.
- Three-quarters (76%) of patients would consider using a self-injectable HIV therapy if their physician recommended it.
- Only one quarter (28%) of patients who are potentially eligible for FUZEON had actually discussed this injectable option with their physicians.
- Only 10% of eligible patients were currently prescribed FUZEON, despite the fact that it is recommended in key international HIV treatment guidelines
This study identified some of the main reasons why many physicians may be reluctant to prescribe this treatment even with its proven efficacy and safety.
The reasons include; the perception that patients would be reluctant to use a self-injectable therapy, or the physicians' opinion that the patient would not be able to incorporate injectables into their lifestyle.
