Some adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 77 pounds get short-term treatment for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection with cabotegravir and rilpivirine (Edurant) (35 kg). In some adults and adolescents 12 years of age or older weighing at least 77 pounds, cabotegravir is used as a short-term prophylaxis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection (35 kg). Before getting the cabotegravir injection and in some situations of missing cabotegravir injection doses, it is used to determine the body’s tolerance to cabotegravir. The drug cabotegravir belongs to the group of drugs known as HIV integrase inhibitors. It functions by lowering the level of HIV in the blood. Although cabotegravir does not treat HIV, it may lessen your risk of getting AIDS and other diseases connected to HIV, such as serious infections or cancer. The risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to others may be reduced by taking these medications, engaging in safer sexual behaviour, and changing other aspects of one’s lifestyle.

Cabotegravir is available as an oral tablet. It is typically given once day with food in conjunction with rilpivirine for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Take rilpivirine and cabotegravir at roughly the same time each day. Prior to beginning treatment with the long-acting injectable formulations of these drugs, cabotegravir and rilpivirine are administered for about one month (for at least 28 days), or for up to two months if the injectable treatment plan is missed for more than seven days. Usually taken once day with food, it is used to prevent HIV-1 infection. Take cabotegravir every day at roughly the same time. Before beginning the long-acting injectable form, cabotegravir is taken for about one month (at least 28 days), or for up to two months if the injectable schedule is missed for more than seven days. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Use cabotegravir as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Cabotegravir should still be used even if you feel OK. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking cabotegravir or any other anti-HIV drugs. Your illness could get worse if you stop taking cabotegravir or skip doses, and the virus might develop resistance to the medication.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking cabotegravir,

• If you have an allergy to cabotegravir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cabotegravir tablets, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• When taking cabotegravir, several medications should not be taken, or their dosages may need to be changed or further monitoring may be necessary. Before beginning cabotegravir, be sure to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal items you are currently taking or intend to take. Always with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while using cabotegravir.
• Take your antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, and other brands) 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking cabotegravir if they contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminium.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, depression, or any other mental illnesses.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking cabotegravir.
• If you are taking cabotegravir or are HIV-positive, you should not breastfeed.
• You need to be aware that cabotegravir may alter your ideas, actions, or mental health. If any of the following symptoms appear while you are taking cabotegravir, contact your doctor right away: new or worsening depression; suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. Make sure your family is aware of any potentially critical symptoms so they can contact your doctor on your behalf if you are unable to get help on your own.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

As soon as you remember to take it, take the missed dose with food. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Cabotegravir could have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Strange dreams
• Anxiety
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep

Some adverse effects may be severe. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you see any of these signs or any of those detailed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section:

• Rash with or without any of the following symptoms: fever, acute exhaustion, muscular or joint pain, blisters, mouth sores, swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or mouth, or breathing problems
• Yellow eyes or skin, right upper abdomen pain, bruising, bleeding, appetite loss, disorientation, yellow or brown urine, or pale faeces are some symptoms to watch out for

Other adverse effects of cabotegravir could also occur. If you have any strange side effects while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To monitor your body’s reaction to cabotegravir, your doctor will request specific lab tests.

Cabotegravir should always be available. Do not wait until you are out of medication before ordering more.

Never allow someone else to take your medication. If you have any queries regarding getting a prescription renewed, ask your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every drug you take, including prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications, vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements. Every time you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital, you should carry this list with you. Also, it is crucial to have this knowledge on hand in case of emergency.