If you follow the news in the pharmacy world, you have definitely come across 'Apretude', a new long-acting injectable indicated for at-risk adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older and weighing at least 35 kg for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection (including men who have sex with men, transgender women, and cisgender women).
The approval of Apretude (Cabotegravir) is revolutionary simply because it is the first and only long-acting injectable PrEP treatment approved in Canada. It is given as few as 6 times per year after initiation and it has shown superior efficacy to a daily oral PrEP option (FTC/TDF tablets) in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition in 2 clinical trials.
A few facts about Cabotegravir:
The extended-release injectable suspension is administered through IM injection in the buttocks by a health care professional every two months after two initiation injections administered one month apart.
It also comes in tablets and can be used as an optional oral lead-in to assess tolerability or as short-term oral PrEP in individuals who will miss planned dosing with cabotegravir extended release injectable suspension.
The most common side effects of Cabotegravir injection include injection site reactions, such as pain, tenderness, and swelling. Headache, diarrhea and fever may also occur with the tablets or injections.
Apretude can be a true game-changer, specifically for patients facing challenges in their daily medication adherence and pill reminders. If you need more information about Cabotegravir including coverage by insurance plans, where to find it, injection appointments and so on, The Village Pharmacy locations can further assist you in every step of your HIV related inquiries. Please find them at https://www.thevillagepharmacy.ca/prep-clinic and don't forget to hit that like button.
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