Long-Acting Injectable PrEP for HIV Prevention: Introducing Apretude (Cabotegravir) in Bangkok, Thailand

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The FDA has approved Apretude (cabotegravir) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in at-risk adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg (77 pounds). Administered initially with two injections a month apart, followed by bi-monthly doses, Apretude provides an alternative to daily oral PrEP. Clinical trials showed Apretude reduced HIV risk by 69% in men and transgender women, and by 90% in cisgender women, compared to Truvada. Apretude requires HIV-negative status before use and may cause side effects like injection site reactions and fatigue. This approval aims to improve PrEP access and adherence.

 

What is Apretude (Cabotegravir)?

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Apretude (Cabotegravir) is a modern, long-acting injectable medication approved by the FDA in 2021 for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Administered every two months by a healthcare provider into the gluteal muscle (buttock), Apretude offers an effective alternative to daily oral HIV prevention.

 

What is PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)?

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PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive treatment for people at high risk of HIV. It involves taking medication daily, or receiving long-acting injections, to reduce the chance of contracting HIV. When used consistently, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection.

Why Is Apretude PrEP Injection A Better Choice?

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1. Long-Acting: Apretude is administered as an injection every two months, providing continuous protection without the need for daily pills.

2. Improved Adherence: For individuals who struggle with remembering to take daily medication, Apretude reduces the risk of missed doses, which can compromise the effectiveness of oral PrEP.

3. Higher Effectiveness: Clinical trials showed Apretude is more effective than daily oral PrEP, with up to a 90% reduction in HIV risk for some groups.

4. Convenience: Bi-monthly injections can be more convenient for people who prefer fewer visits to healthcare providers than daily oral medication.

Overall, Apretude can be a game-changer for those who find it challenging to maintain daily PrEP adherence.

 

Possible Side Effects

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These side effects may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, inform your healthcare provider immediately if the symptoms persist or worsen over time.

 

Common Side Effects	Other Side Effects	Serious Side Effects
Injection site reactions Headache Diarrhea Nausea Dizziness Fever Upper respiratory infections (e.g., common cold)	Fatigue Difficulty Sleeping Unusual dreams Abdominal pain Nausea Muscle soreness Skin rash Reduced appetite Drowsiness	Serious allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

 

We can help you with your emergency medication needs!

Please email us at info@eu-health.com or chat on your preferred platform.

 

 

+66-99-479-7168  @euwellness     euwellness

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Apretude (FAQs)

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What is the difference between PEP & PrEP?

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is used to prevent HIV infection after a high-risk event, and it must be started within 72 hours of exposure. On the other hand, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) involves taking medication to reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex or injection drug use. If you are at high risk for HIV, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if PrEP is right for you.

 

What should I do if I miss my Apretude (Cabotegravir) injection?

It's important to get your Apretude (Cabotegravir) injections on time for maximum effectiveness. If you miss an injection, Our doctor will determine whether you can continue with injections or need a new medication. The number of makeup injections depends on how long it's been since your last one. If you're more than 7 days late, you may be advised to take the tablet form until your next injection, but not for 2 months.

 

What is the difference between Apretude (Cabotegravir) and Vocabria (Cabotegravir)?

Apretude (Cabotegravir) and Vocabria (Cabotegravir) contain the same active ingredient but are used differently. Apretude is an injectable medication for HIV prevention in high-risk patients. Vocabria, available as 30 mg tablets, is used with Edurant (rilpivirine) for short-term HIV treatment in adults, helping them switch to the long-acting injectable Cabenuva. It can also be used by those who miss Cabenuva or Apretude injections.

 

What steps should I take before starting Apretude (Cabotegravir)?

Before starting Apretude (Cabotegravir), it’s crucial to get tested for HIV to prevent resistance. Resistance occurs when the virus mutates, making certain HIV medications less effective and harder to treat. If you test positive for HIV, contact your provider to begin appropriate treatment.

 

We can help you with your emergency medication needs!

Please email us at info@eu-health.com or chat on your preferred platform.

 

 

+66-99-479-7168  @euwellness     euwellness