Apretude
Generic name:cabotegravir
Dosage form: extended-release injectable suspension for intramuscular use
Drug class:Integrase strand transfer inhibitor
What is Apretude?
Apretude is a prescription medicine used for HIV-1 PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 77 pounds (at least 35 kg).
HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age or weighing less than 77 pounds (less than 35 kg).
Important information
Important information for people who receive Apretude to help reduce their risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, also called pre exposure prophylaxis or “PrEP”:
Before receiving Apretude to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:
- You must be HIV-1 negative to start Apretude. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection.
- Do not receive Apretude for HIV-1 PrEP unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.
- Some HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting Apretude or at any time while receiving Apretude. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include:
- tiredness
- joint or muscle aches
- sore throat
- rash
- enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin
- fever
- headache
- vomiting or diarrhea
- night sweats
While you are receiving Apretude for HIV-1 PrEP:
- Apretude does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.
- You must stay HIV-1 negative to keep receiving Apretude for HIV-1 PrEP.
- Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners.
- Ask your partners with HIV-1 if they are taking anti-HIV-1 medicines and have an undetectable viral load. An undetectable viral load is when the amount of virus in the blood is too low to be measured in a lab test. To maintain an undetectable viral load, your partners must keep taking HIV-1 medicine as prescribed. Your risk of getting HIV-1 is lower if your partners with HIV-1 are taking effective treatment.
- Get tested for HIV-1 with each Apretude injection or when your healthcare provider tells you. You should not miss any HIV-1 tests. If you become HIV-1 infected and continue receiving Apretude because you do not know you are HIV-1 infected, the HIV-1 infection may become harder to treat.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.
- If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider righ.
