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Apretude contains the active ingredient cabotegravir as an extended-release injectable suspension. It belongs to the HIV INSTI (integrase strand transfer inhibitor) drug class. Apretude is available in sterile single-dose vials containing 200 mg/mL of cabotegravir, designed for intramuscular injection. Key inactive ingredients include mannitol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, and polysorbate 20.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected into a muscle. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. You will receive an injection once every month for the first 2 months, then once every 2 months. Before receiving your first injection, your care team may have you take oral cabotegravir tablets once daily for 1 month to see how well you will tolerate the injection. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue -Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Fatigue -Fever -Headache -Nausea -Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site -Trouble sleeping
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue -Liver disease -Mental health conditions -An unusual or allergic reaction to cabotegravir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin -Rifampin -Rifapentine This medication may also interact with the following: -Methadone -Rifabutin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medication. You will need an HIV test before you receive each injection. HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV. You may experience a local reaction at the injection site; these reactions are common and usually only last a few days. Ask your care team about things you can do to help with these reactions.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
If you get or have HIV that isn't being treated, this medicine may increase the chances your HIV infection cannot be treated with some HIV medicines. You should have an HIV test before starting this medicine and if you think you might have been exposed to HIV after starting it.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
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Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
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