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Detailed Information about Apretude Dose: Its Potency, Form, Method of Administration, and Additional Details

Information on Apretude Dosing: Potency, Formulation, Method of Administration, and Additional Details

Apretude Administration Details: Strength, Form, Method, and Additional Information
Apretude Administration Details: Strength, Form, Method, and Additional Information

Detailed Information about Apretude Dose: Its Potency, Form, Method of Administration, and Additional Details

Apretude, a new long-term treatment for HIV prevention, has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This drug, known chemically as cabotegravir, is intended to help individuals at high risk of HIV infection stay protected over an extended period.

Apretude belongs to a class of drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors and isn't available in a generic version. It comes in one strength: 600 milligrams (mg) of the drug in 3 milliliters (mL) of suspension.

The recommended dosing schedule for Apretude as HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults and children aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg) is as follows:

  1. Start with a 30 mg oral cabotegravir dose once daily for at least 28 days to assess tolerability.
  2. Then, receive the first intramuscular injection (loading dose) of 600 mg into the gluteal muscle.
  3. A second injection of 600 mg is given 1 month after the first injection.
  4. Following this, receive a maintenance dose of 600 mg by injection every 2 months to maintain protection.

If an injection is missed by more than 7 days, patients are advised to resume oral cabotegravir 30 mg once daily starting at least 2 months after the last injection, and restart injections within 3 days of oral therapy resumption.

It's important to note that Apretude is not approved for use in children younger than 12 years old. For younger or lighter children, dosing is determined by a doctor.

Apretude is prescribed for intramuscular injection into the buttocks, and you'll receive your doses at your doctor's office. If you have questions about Apretude's dosage, talk with your doctor.

If you miss an appointment for your Apretude injection, you should reschedule it as soon as possible. If you know ahead of time that you'll need to miss a dose, talk with your doctor. They can prescribe up to 2 months of oral cabotegravir to make up for the missed Apretude dose.

In some cases, doctors may recommend an oral form of cabotegravir for 28 days before starting Apretude injections. If you take the drug rifabutin with Apretude, your doctor may increase how frequently you receive Apretude.

If it's been longer than 2 months since your first Apretude injection, your doctor will typically recommend that you restart treatment. Apretude is prescribed for HIV PrEP in adults who weigh at least 35 kg (about 77 lb). The same dosage is prescribed for children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 35 kg (about 77 lb).

In summary, Apretude involves an optional oral lead-in for 28-30 days followed by two initial monthly injections and then every two months for maintenance, administered intramuscularly by a healthcare provider. Remember, it's crucial to discuss any concerns or questions about Apretude with your healthcare provider.

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