About cabotegravir
HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor
Used for
- Used with rilpivirine for maintenance treatment of HIV-1 in eligible adults and adolescents.
- Used briefly before long-acting cabotegravir injections to check tolerability, when prescribed.
Usual adult dose
For oral lead-in before injections: 30 mg once daily with rilpivirine 25 mg for about one month. Oral tablets may also bridge missed injections under clinician direction.
Usual dose in children
Not routinely used in children; oral treatment is approved for selected adolescents weighing at least 35 kg with rilpivirine.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abnormal dreams
- Depression or sleep problems
Important warnings
- Must be taken with rilpivirine; not used alone to treat HIV.
- Use only for people meeting eligibility criteria, including sustained viral suppression.
- Hepatitis B or C and liver disease may require monitoring.
- Resistance can develop if treatment is interrupted or HIV is not suppressed.
Pregnancy
Limited information; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician. HIV treatment should not be stopped without medical guidance.
Breastfeeding
HIV guidance generally recommends avoiding breastfeeding where safe alternatives are available; discuss with a clinician.
Interactions
- Rifampin, rifabutin, and rifapentine can lower cabotegravir levels.
- Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital can reduce effectiveness.
- Take rilpivirine with food; acid-reducing medicines can affect rilpivirine absorption.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.