Apretude Injection (Cabotegravir)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Apretude Injection Used For?
Apretude injection contains cabotegravir, an antiretroviral medicine that belongs to a group called integrase inhibitors. It’s specifically designed to help prevent HIV infection before exposure occurs.
Primary Uses
Apretude is used to reduce the risk of getting HIV infection in people weighing 35 kg or more. This preventive treatment is called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). You must test negative for HIV before starting treatment.
How It Works
As an integrase inhibitor, cabotegravir works by blocking HIV from integrating into your body’s cells, helping to prevent infection from taking hold.
Good to know: Apretude is a long-acting injection that only needs to be given once every 2 months, making it convenient for ongoing HIV prevention.
How to Take Apretude Injection
Apretude will be given to you by a healthcare professional as an injection into the muscle of your buttock. The dosing schedule depends on whether you start with tablets first or go directly to injections.
Dosage Instructions
You may start either directly with injections or with oral tablets first. If starting with tablets: take one 30 mg tablet daily for about one month, then switch to injections. Injection schedule: First and second injections are given one month apart (3 mL containing 600 mg each), then every 2 months thereafter (3 mL containing 600 mg each). Your first injection should be on the same day as your last tablet or within 3 days.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Contact your doctor immediately to make a new appointment if you miss your scheduled injection. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV infection. Your doctor may recommend taking Apretude tablets temporarily until you can receive your next injection.
Important: Never miss your planned injection appointments. This could increase your risk of HIV infection and potentially lead to viral resistance.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reactions (pain, tenderness, hardened mass or lump)
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Depression
- Abnormal dreams
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Injection site redness, itching, swelling, warmth, numbness or bruising
- Muscle pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions with skin rash, fever, fatigue, face/mouth swelling, difficulty breathing
- Liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, loss of appetite, itching, stomach tenderness, light stools, dark urine)
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts (especially in those with previous mental health problems)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (painful red/purple skin, blisters, red watery eyes)
- Injection site abscess
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Apretude treatment. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Apretude Injection
Do not use Apretude if you are allergic to cabotegravir or any ingredients in the injection. Do not use if you are taking rifampicin, rifapentine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or oxcarbazepine. You must have a recent negative HIV test before starting treatment.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor about any liver problems, mental health conditions including depression, or any other medical conditions. Your liver function may need to be monitored during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not receive Apretude injections if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without checking with your doctor first. The medication can stay in your system for up to 12 months or longer after your last injection. It’s unknown if Apretude passes into breast milk, but it may remain in breast milk for 12 months after the last injection.
Allergic Reactions: Watch for signs of serious allergic reactions including skin rash, fever, fatigue, swelling of face or mouth, and difficulty breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if these occur.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with how Apretude works or increase your risk of side effects. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Tell Your Doctor: Inform all healthcare providers that you are receiving Apretude injections, including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists.
- Rifampicin or rifapentine (for bacterial infections like tuberculosis) – must not be used together
- Phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or oxcarbazepine (anticonvulsants for epilepsy) – must not be used together
- Rifabutin (for bacterial infections) – may need more frequent Apretude injections
Alcohol & Driving
Apretude can affect your ability to drive safely and may cause dizziness or other side effects that reduce your alertness.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or use machines unless you are sure you are not affected by dizziness or other side effects. Apretude can make you feel lightheaded, especially during or after injections, which may lead to fainting.
Storage
Apretude injection will be stored and handled by your healthcare provider. The medication should be kept in its original packaging until use and stored below 30°C (86°F). You do not need to worry about storing this medication at home.
Overdose Information
Since Apretude is given by a healthcare professional, overdose is unlikely. If you have concerns about receiving too much medication, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. The injection is carefully measured and administered by trained medical staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apretude begins working to prevent HIV infection right away, but you may start with oral tablets for about one month before switching to injections to ensure the medication is right for you.
After your first two injections given one month apart, you’ll receive Apretude injections every 2 months. Each injection contains 600 mg of cabotegravir in 3 mL.
While Apretude significantly reduces your risk of getting HIV, it’s not 100% effective. You should still use condoms during sex and avoid sharing needles to further reduce your risk.
Don’t stop Apretude without talking to your doctor first. The medication stays in your system for up to 12 months or longer after your last injection, and stopping may increase your HIV risk and potentially lead to viral resistance.
You should get tested for HIV every 2-3 months while receiving Apretude injections to ensure you remain HIV negative.
Contact your doctor immediately to reschedule. Missing your injection may increase your risk of HIV infection. Your doctor may recommend taking Apretude tablets temporarily until you can get your next injection.
Some medications can interfere with Apretude. Never take rifampicin, rifapentine, or certain seizure medications with Apretude. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.