Apretude Tablets Medication Guide

Apretude Tablets (Cabotegravir)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
cabotegravir
Drug Class
integrase inhibitor (antiretroviral medicine)
Used For
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce risk of HIV infection
How Taken
oral tablet, once daily

What Is Apretude Tablets Used For?

Apretude contains cabotegravir, an integrase inhibitor that helps prevent HIV infection before exposure occurs.

Primary Uses

Apretude is used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of getting HIV infection in people weighing 35 kg or more. It may be prescribed before starting Apretude injections or as a temporary replacement when injections cannot be given.

How It Works

Cabotegravir belongs to a group of antiretroviral medicines called integrase inhibitors (INIs) that work to prevent HIV from establishing infection in your body.

Good to know: This medicine is part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy and should be combined with other protective measures like condom use.

How to Take Apretude Tablets

Apretude should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor to maintain effective protection against HIV.

Dosage Instructions

Adults and adolescents weighing 35 kg or more: Take one 30 mg tablet once daily. For initial PrEP, take daily for approximately one month before switching to injections. If you need an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after your Apretude tablet. Tablets can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with liquid.

What If You Miss a Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Missing doses may increase your risk of HIV infection.

Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose. Take Apretude every day, not just when you think you’ve been at risk of HIV exposure.

Available Tablet Strengths

30mg
30mg Tablet White, Oval • SV CTV

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
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Gas (flatulence)
  • Depression
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Generally feeling unwell
  • Skin rash
  • Muscle pain
  • Weight gain

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Allergic reactions with skin rash, fever, fatigue, swelling
  • 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 issues)
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (painful red/purple skin, blisters, red watery eyes)

Important Warnings

Before taking Apretude, it’s essential to understand who should not use this medication and what conditions require special monitoring.

Who Should Not Take Apretude Tablets

Do not take if you are allergic to cabotegravir or any ingredients. Do not take with rifampicin, rifapentine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or oxcarbazepine. You must have a recent negative HIV test before starting – this medication only works for prevention, not treatment.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor about any medical conditions, especially liver problems. You may need regular blood tests and liver function monitoring while taking this medication.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks. It’s unknown if Apretude passes into breast milk.

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.

Antacid timing: If you need antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after Apretude to prevent reduced absorption.

  • Rifampicin or rifapentine (for bacterial infections like tuberculosis)
  • Phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or oxcarbazepine (anticonvulsants for epilepsy)
  • Antacids (for indigestion and heartburn)

Alcohol & Driving

Apretude can affect your alertness and ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Apretude may cause dizziness and other side effects that make you less alert. Do not drive or use machines unless you are sure you are not affected by the medication.

Storage

Store tablets in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Keep tablets in the original bottle until time to take them. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight – not in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Apretude, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apretude begins working immediately to provide protection against HIV, but you must take it daily for continuous protection. For initial PrEP, you’ll typically take tablets for about one month before switching to injections.

Yes, Apretude tablets can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with some liquid.

No information about addiction potential is mentioned in the source material. Apretude is an HIV prevention medication, not a controlled substance.

Do not stop taking Apretude unless your doctor advises you to. Missing doses or stopping the medication may increase your risk of getting HIV infection. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor recommends.

You should get tested for HIV every 2-3 months while taking Apretude. You must have a recent negative HIV test before starting the medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Missing doses may increase your risk of HIV infection.

No, Apretude only helps reduce the risk of HIV infection. You should still use condoms during sexual contact and discuss additional precautions with your doctor to protect against other infections.

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.