Cabenuva (Cabotegravir And Rilpivirine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Cabenuva Used For?
Cabenuva is a combination HIV medication that contains two active ingredients: cabotegravir and rilpivirine. It’s designed to treat HIV infection in adults aged 18 years and over.
Primary Uses
Cabenuva is used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults aged 18 years and over. It replaces your current antiretroviral treatment to help control HIV infection.
How It Works
Cabenuva doesn’t cure HIV infection, but it keeps the amount of virus in your body at a low level. This helps maintain the number of CD4+ cells in your blood, which are important white blood cells that help your body fight infection. Cabotegravir belongs to a group of medicines called integrase inhibitors (INIs) and rilpivirine belongs to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).
Important: Cabenuva does not cure HIV infection but helps control it by keeping virus levels low in your body.
How to Take Cabenuva
Cabenuva is given as two separate injections by a healthcare professional. The injections are administered into the muscle on each side of your buttocks.
Dosage Instructions
You will receive Cabenuva as two injections, either once every month or once every two months, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. Your doctor may start you on oral tablets (VOCABRIA 30mg and rilpivirine 25mg once daily) for one month before beginning injections. Initial injections are 3mL each (cabotegravir 600mg and rilpivirine 900mg), followed by either monthly or bi-monthly maintenance doses.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss an appointment for your injections, contact your doctor right away to schedule a new appointment. Your doctor may recommend taking oral tablets (VOCABRIA and rilpivirine) until you can receive your next injections. It’s crucial to start alternative HIV treatment within one month of missed monthly injections or within two months of missed bi-monthly injections.
Critical: Never stop Cabenuva without talking to your doctor. You must start different HIV treatment if you stop to prevent 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:
- Injection site reactions (pain, tenderness, hardened mass, redness, itching, swelling)
- Headache
- Feeling hot (fever)
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Abnormal dreams
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Muscle pain
- Back and chest pain
- Fatigue
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (rash, fever, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, loss of appetite, dark urine)
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (painful red/purple skin, blisters, red watery eyes)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before starting Cabenuva treatment.
Who Should Not Take Cabenuva
Do not use Cabenuva if you are allergic to cabotegravir, rilpivirine, or any ingredients. Do not use if you are taking rifampicin, rifapentine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, or products containing St. John’s wort. Do not use if the medication is expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, as your liver function will be monitored during treatment. People with advanced HIV infection may experience symptoms of infection and inflammation as their immune system becomes stronger, including muscle weakness, joint pain, palpitations, or hyperactivity.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The injections can stay in your system for up to 12 months or longer after the last injection. HIV-positive women should not breastfeed when possible, as HIV can be passed through breast milk. The medication may pass into breast milk for up to 12 months after the last injection.
Long-acting medication: Cabenuva remains in your system for up to 12 months (cabotegravir) or 4 years (rilpivirine) after your last injection, which can cause drug interactions and requires careful planning if stopping treatment.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Cabenuva and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Important: These interactions may require different medication amounts or alternative treatments. Always check with your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin (anticonvulsants)
- Rifabutin, rifampicin, rifapentine (antibiotics for bacterial infections)
- Clarithromycin and erythromycin (antibiotics)
- Methadone (pain medication)
- Dexamethasone (corticosteroid)
- St. John’s wort (herbal supplement)
- Hepatitis C medications
Alcohol & Driving
Cabenuva can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with other substances.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings are mentioned in the source material. However, always consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while on HIV treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Cabenuva injections can make you dizzy and cause other side effects that make you less alert. Do not drive or use machines unless you are sure you are not affected. Be careful before driving or using any machines or tools until you know how Cabenuva affects you.
Storage
Keep Cabenuva injections in the original pack until it’s time to receive them. Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
Since Cabenuva is given by a doctor or nurse, it’s unlikely you will receive too much. If you are worried about the amount given, talk to your healthcare provider immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabenuva is a long-acting medication. Low levels of cabotegravir can remain in your system for up to 12 months or more, and rilpivirine can remain for up to 4 years after your last injection.
Never stop Cabenuva without talking to your doctor. You must start a different HIV treatment within one month of your last injection (if receiving monthly doses) or within two months (if receiving bi-monthly doses) to prevent viral resistance.
Some medications can interfere with Cabenuva, including certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and St. John’s wort. Always tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
You will receive Cabenuva as two injections either once every month or once every two months, depending on your doctor’s recommendation and your dosing schedule.
Contact your doctor right away to make a new appointment. Your doctor may recommend taking oral tablets (VOCABRIA and rilpivirine) until you can receive your next Cabenuva injections.
If you become pregnant while receiving Cabenuva, tell your doctor immediately. The medication can stay in your system for up to 12 months or longer after your last injection, so discuss family planning with your doctor in advance.
No, Cabenuva does not cure HIV infection. It helps control the virus by keeping the amount of virus in your body at a low level and maintaining your CD4+ cell count, but you will need to continue treatment as directed by your doctor.
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.