What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Heart disease
-Liver disease
-Mental health conditions
-An unusual or allergic reaction to cabotegravir, rilpivirine, 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
-Dexamethasone (more than 1 dose)
-Rifabutin
-Rifampin
-Rifapentine
-St. John's wort
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Certain antibiotics, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin
-Methadone
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.
HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.