What is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir, along with other antiviral medications, is prescribed to adults for the treatment of HIV. This virus can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome.Lenacapavir does not cure HIV or AIDS.Lenacapavir may be prescribed after other HIV medications have failed to work, stopped working, or were not tolerated.Lenacapavir can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Lenacapavir
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to your lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
Lenacapavir may affect your immune system even weeks or months after you use it. Tell your doctor about:
- Signs of an infection: fever, sweating at night, swollen lymph glands, colds, sores; coughing, wheezing; diarrhoea; weight loss.
- If you have difficulty speaking or swallowing, have problems with balance, eye movements, or weakness, or feel prickly, then it could be a sign of a problem.
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Lenacapavir can cause the following side effects:
- If you notice any of the following: bruising, swelling, or warmth where the injection was administered;
- Nausea.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse side effects.
Warnings
Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking.Lenacapavir should not be taken with certain drugs.
Before you take this drug
Lenacapavir should not be used in conjunction with other medicines such as efavirenz (efavirenz), nevirapine (rifabutin), rifampin (rifapentine), carbamazepine (oxcarbazepine), phenytoin (primidone), dexamethasone, prednisone, St. John's Wort, phenobarbital, or any other barbiturate medication.
Tell your doctor immediately of any of the following issues:
- An autoimmune disorder, such as Graves’ disease or polymyositis.
Use all medications to control your infection while pregnant. You may have your name listed on a registry of antiviral pregnant women.Lenacapavir may harm an unborn child. Inform your physician immediately if you're pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV. Breast milk can transmit the virus to your child.
How to take Lenacapavir?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Lenacapavir can be given in tablet form or as injections. Maintenance injections are then administered every 26 weeks. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatments.Lenacapavir can be taken with or without food.This injection will be given by a healthcare provider under the skin of the abdomen.Lenacapavir can affect your other medications for up to nine months after the last injection.Store away from heat and moisture in the original container at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for HIV infection:
Option 1
Initial dose:
Day 1: 927mg subcutaneously and 600mg orally
Day 2: 600 mg taken orally
Maintenance dose:
Every 6 months (+/- (every 2 weeks): Subcutaneously 927 mg
Option 2.
Initial dose:
Day 1: 600 mg taken orally
Day 2: 600 mg taken orally
Day 8: Take 300 mg orally.
Day 15: 927 mg subcutaneously
Maintenance dose:
Every 6 months (+/- (every 2 weeks): Subcutaneously 927 mg
Use: Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection unresponsive to the current antiretroviral regimen due to resistance, intolerance, or safety considerations.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your lenacapavir appointment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Lenacapavir can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Phenobarbital and other barbiturate medicines
- John's Wort;
- An antibiotic—rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine;
- Cancer medicine: apalutamide, enzalutamide, and mitotane
- HIV or AIDS medicine: efavirenz, nevirapine;
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone,
- Steroid medicine—dexamethasone, prednisone.
Lenacapavir may be affected by many other medications. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
