Cabotegravir brand-name Apretude: Information on dosage, pricing, applications, and additional details
In a significant development for HIV prevention, Apretude, a long-acting cabotegravir injection, has been approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This article provides an overview of Apretude, its benefits, potential side effects, and key considerations for its use.
Apretude offers a long-term solution for HIV prevention, with most side effects being manageable injection site reactions and systemic effects such as fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. However, serious but rare side effects like liver injury (hepatotoxicity) and severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) have been reported.
Long-term safety data, including from pregnancy exposures, indicate that pregnancy outcomes and infant health appear generally consistent with background rates in similar populations. There were no increased maternal deaths or HIV transmissions detected. Some neonatal complications were reported but were considered unrelated to Apretude by investigators.
To ensure effective and safe use, Apretude requires regular adherence to injections every two months and ongoing HIV testing. There is caution against its use in people with liver problems or those taking certain medications that can reduce its effectiveness.
Apretude is just one of several options available for HIV PrEP. Other drugs include cabotegravir sodium (Vocabria), emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (Descovy), and emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada).
Before starting Apretude for PrEP, a person must test negative for HIV. They will be tested before each injection of the drug. If a person tests positive for HIV while receiving Apretude, they will need to stop the drug and switch to an HIV treatment regimen.
Apretude is FDA-approved for HIV PrEP in adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg, which is about 77 lb. The recommended dosage for Apretude is one injection of 600 mg, followed by a second injection of 600 mg 1 month later, and then one injection of 600 mg every 2 months.
It's important to note that Apretude can interact with several other medications, including certain seizure medications, antibacterials, UGT1A1 or UGT1A9 inducers, and methadone. Alcohol consumption may also increase the risk for certain side effects and liver damage.
Apretude is given by intramuscular injection in the buttock. If a dose is missed, it's crucial to reschedule the appointment with a healthcare provider right away.
Apretude is not a treatment for HIV; it is only approved for HIV PrEP. If a person tests positive for HIV while receiving Apretude, their doctor will switch them to an HIV treatment regimen. A medication called Cabenuva, which contains a long-acting cabotegravir injection and a long-acting rilpivirine injection, is approved to treat HIV.
Apretude has a boxed warning from the FDA for the risk of drug resistance when used for PrEP in people who have HIV. This underscores the importance of regular HIV testing and close medical monitoring, especially in special populations like pregnant individuals.
In summary, Apretude offers a long-term, effective solution for HIV prevention. While it is generally well-tolerated, close medical monitoring is essential for liver health and to prevent drug resistance. It's crucial to discuss all medications, potential interactions, and health concerns with a healthcare provider before starting Apretude for HIV PrEP.
Apretude, a long-acting cabotegravir injection, has been approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg. This requires regular adherence to injections every two months, and it's crucial to discuss all medications, potential interactions, and health concerns with a healthcare provider before starting Apretude.
Apretude is not a treatment for HIV; it is only approved for HIV PrEP. If a person tests positive for HIV while receiving Apretude, their doctor will switch them to an HIV treatment regimen like Cabenuva, which contains a long-acting cabotegravir injection and a long-acting rilpivirine injection.
There is caution against using Apretude in people with liver problems or those taking certain medications that can reduce its effectiveness. In addition, alcohol consumption may increase the risk for certain side effects and liver damage.
While Apretude offers a long-term solution for HIV prevention, close medical monitoring is essential for liver health and to prevent drug resistance, as it has a boxed warning from the FDA for the risk of drug resistance when used for PrEP in people who have HIV.
