A large prospective study assessing injection site reactions, quality of life and preference in patients using the Biojector® vs standard needles for enfuvirtide administration*Journal Articles
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ObjectivesTo determine the severity of injection site reactions (ISRs), patient quality of life (QoL) and preference when enfuvirtide is administered by the Biojector® (Bioject, Medical Technologies, Inc., Tualatin, OR, USA) relative to standard needles.MethodsA total of 201 HIV‐positive patients on stable enfuvirtide‐based therapy (n=184) or initiating such therapy (n=17) were evaluated prospectively after switching from standard needles to the Biojector® system. Patients used needles for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to switching to the Biojector®. Questionnaires to assess the incidence and severity of ISRs (31‐item score) and QoL [Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS‐HIV)] were administered at baseline and following a minimum of 14 days of Biojector® use.ResultsThe median changes in ISR score and number of ISRs following a median of 1.0 month [interquartile range (IQR) 0.9, 1.3] of Biojector® use were −3 (IQR −7, 1) and −1 (IQR −3, 1), respectively. The severity of pain (P<0.0001), induration (P<0.0001), pruritus (P<0.0001), nodules (P<0.0001) and erythema (P<0.0001) all decreased with the Biojector®. Administration of enfuvirtide with the Biojector® was associated with an improved patient QoL (P<0.0001), and was preferred by 72% of patients.ConclusionsCompared with needles, the Biojector® was associated with a decreased severity of ISRs and improved QoL in patients taking enfuvirtide.
