Cabotegravir (Intramuscular)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 3, 2022.
Warning: Risk of Drug Resistance with Use of Apretude for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Undiagnosed HIV-1 InfectionIndividuals must be tested for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating injectable cabotegravir suspension or oral cabotegravir, and with each subsequent injection of cabotegravir suspension, using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified with use of injectable cabotegravir suspension by individuals with undiagnosed HIV-1 infection. Do not initiate injectable cabotegravir suspension for HIV-1 PrEP unless negative infection status is confirmed. Individuals who become infected with HIV-1 while receiving injectable cabotegravir suspension for PrEP must transition to a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen .
Available Dosage Forms:
- Suspension, Extended Release
Pharmacologic Class: Integrase Inhibitor
Uses for cabotegravir
Cabotegravir injection is used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Your doctor may do tests to make sure you are negative from HIV-1 infection before receiving cabotegravir for HIV-1 PrEP.
Cabotegravir is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using cabotegravir
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cabotegravir, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cabotegravir or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of cabotegravir injection in children younger than 12 years of age or weighing less than 35 kilograms (kg). Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of cabotegravir injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution or patients receiving cabotegravir.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving cabotegravir, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed ..
