What is Cabotegravir?
Cabotegravir, an antiviral medication, prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body. HIV is a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome and AIDS. Cabotegravir tablets are used in conjunction with an antiviral drug called rilpivirine to treat HIV in people aged 12 and older who weigh at least 77 lbs (35 kg). This medicine is intended to replace the current HIV medications. Cabotegravir can also be used to reduce the risk of HIV infection for people aged 12 and older who weigh at least 77 lbs (35 kg). Cabotegravir can only be used by HIV-negative people to reduce the risk of HIV infection.Cabotegravir (and rilpivirine) are given daily as a "lead in dose" to determine if you can safely use the combination of these medications given as an injectable.If you are planning to miss more than seven days of an injection, cabotegravir or rilpivirine can be used in a short-term dose instead. Cabotegravir or rilpivirine are for adults who have taken other antiviral HIV drugs and have successfully controlled their viral load. These medications are not a cure or treatment for HIV/AIDS. Cabotegravir can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cabotegravir
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. If you experience skin itching or any of the symptoms below, stop using cabotegravir immediately and seek medical attention.
- Feeling unwell, feeling tired, or having a fever;
- Joint or muscle pain
- Blisters or sores around or in your mouth
- Red or puffy eyelids;
- You may have difficulty breathing if you experience swelling of the face or mouth.
Cabotegravir may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Unusual mood changes, such as feeling anxious, restless, or hopeless,
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Liver problems: loss of appetite, voiting, stomach pain on the upper right side, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice
Side effects of cabotegravir include:
- Nausea;
- Abnormal dreams;
- Feeling anxious
- Headache
- Sleep problems are a common problem.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects.. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Biktarvy, Truvada, Descovy, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine/Tenofovir, Atripla, and Apretude
Warnings
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, as well as any new ones. Some drugs are not to be taken together, and others can cause drug interactions.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to cabotegravir, it is best not to use it. Many drugs can cause harmful interactions. Cabotegravir should not be taken with certain drugs. If you are also taking
- Certain antibiotics—rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine,
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- A skin rash or allergic reaction may occur after taking a medicine that contains cabotegravir.
- Liver disease
- Mental illness.
Inform your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant. Cabotegravir may harm a baby in utero, but this is unknown. HIV can pass to your unborn baby if you do not control the virus during pregnancy. You may have your name listed in a registry that tracks the effects of cabotegravir. Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk. Cabotegravir should not be used by those younger than 12 or who weigh less than 77 lbs (35 kilograms).
How to take cabotegravir?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Cabotegravir rilpivirine tablets are usually taken once daily for at least 28 days prior to switching to injectable combinations. Cabotegravir is injected once a month into your buttock muscle for the first two months. Then, it's injected once every two months. Take rilpivirine and cabotegravir tablets together with food. Take the medications at different times. Cabotegravir can be taken with food or without. You will receive the first injection of these drugs on the last day that you have taken cabotegravir or rilpivirine. Call your healthcare provider if you plan to miss more than seven days of an injection. Discuss your treatment options. Cabotegravir or rilpivirine tablets and injections must be administered under the supervision of a physician. To get the best results, stick to your schedule. Missing doses increase your risk of HIV resistance to medications. You will need to take other HIV medications if you decide to stop taking cabotegravir or rilpivirine. This is to avoid your condition becoming resistant. Contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss treatment options. You may need to undergo frequent medical tests. Cabotegravir or rilpivirine may have long-lasting effects on your body. (Up to 12 months following your last dose) After stopping cabotegravir, you may need to undergo medical tests.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the medication as soon as possible. Take no more than one dose at a time. Make sure to take all required doses and that you have enough tablets. If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Cabotegravir combined with rilpivirine provides a complete HIV treatment. Other HIV medications should only be taken if your doctor has prescribed them. Cabotegravir does not always prevent the spread of your illness. Share razors and toothbrushes. Consult your doctor about how to avoid HIV transmission while sexing. It is not safe to share syringes or needles for drugs or medicines.
Interaction with other drug
When taken together, some antacids may make cabotegravir less effective. Take an antacid at least two hours before or four hours after taking cabotegravir. Cabotegravir can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
