apretude
Apretude (Cabotegravir) is a human immunodeficiency virus integrase strand transfer inhibitor used to treat Hiv Infections.
Cabotegravir · by Viiv Hlthcare
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Cabotegravir
- Form
- Kit
- Strength
- Cabotegravir 600MG/3ML (200MG/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- hiv infections
- Manufacturer
- Viiv Hlthcare
- FDA application
- NDA215499
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Apretude?
From the FDA label:APRETUDE contains cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension, an HIV INSTI. The chemical name of cabotegravir is ( 3S,11aR )-N-[(2,4-difluorophenyl)methyl]-6-hydroxy-3-methyl-5,7-dioxo-2,3,5,7,11,11a-hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,2-a]pyrido[1,2-d]pyrazine-8-carboxamide. The empirical formula is C 19 H 17 F 2 N 3 O 5 and the molecular weight is 405.35 g/mol. It has the following structural formula: Cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension is a white to light pink free-flowing suspension for intramuscular injection in a sterile single-dose vial. Each vial contains 3 mL of the following: cabotegravir 200 mg/mL and the inactive ingredients mannitol (35 mg/mL), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 (20 mg/mL), polysorbate 20 (20 mg/mL), and Water for Injection. The vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex. Cabotegravir chemical structure
How to use
HIV-1 Screening: Screen all individuals for HIV-1 infection immediately prior to initiating APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP and prior to each injection while taking APRETUDE. ( 2.2 ) • Prior to initiating APRETUDE, an oral lead-in dosing may be used for approximately 1 month with the recommended dosage to assess the tolerability of APRETUDE. ( 2.4 ) • For gluteal intramuscular injection only. ( 2.5 , 2.7 ) • Recommended Dosing Schedule: Initiate APRETUDE with a single 600-mg (3-mL) injection given 1 month apart for 2 consecutive months on the last day of an oral lead-in if used or within 3 days and continue with the injections every 2 months thereafter. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Dosage and Administration Overview • APRETUDE contains cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension in a single-dose vial [see Dosage Forms and Strengths ( 3 )] . • APRETUDE must be administered by a healthcare provider by gluteal intramuscular injection [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.7 )] . • APRETUDE may be initiated with oral cabotegravir prior to the intramuscular injections or the patient may proceed directly to injection of APRETUDE without an oral lead-in [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . 2.2 HIV-1 Screening for Individuals Receiving APRETUDE for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Individuals must be tested for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating APRETUDE or oral cabotegravir, and with each subsequent…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are described below and in other sections of the labeling: • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Depressive disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] The most common adverse reactions (all grades) observed in at least 1% of participants receiving APRETUDE were injection site reactions, diarrhea, headache, pyrexia, fatigue, sleep disorders, nausea, dizziness, flatulence, abdominal pain, vomiting, myalgia, rash, decreased appetite, somnolence, back pain, and upper respiratory tract infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ViiV Healthcare at 1-877-844-8872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice. Clinical Trials Experience in Adults The safety assessment of APRETUDE is based on the analysis of data from 2 international, multicenter, double-blind trials, HPTN 083 and HPTN 084 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Adverse reactions were reported while on blinded study product following exposure to APRETUDE extended-release injectable…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
RISK OF DRUG RESISTANCE WITH USE OF APRETUDE FOR HIV-1 PRE‑EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) IN UNDIAGNOSED HIV-1 INFECTION Individuals must be tested for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating APRETUDE or oral cabotegravir, and with each subsequent injection of APRETUDE, using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified with use of APRETUDE by individuals with undiagnosed HIV-1 infection. Do not initiate APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP unless negative infection status is confirmed. Individuals who acquire HIV-1 while receiving APRETUDE for PrEP must transition to a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . WARNING: RISK OF DRUG RESISTANCE WITH USE OF APRETUDE FOR HIV-1 PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) IN UNDIAGNOSED HIV-1 INFECTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Individuals must be tested for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating APRETUDE or oral cabotegravir, and with each subsequent injection of APRETUDE, using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified with use of APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP by individuals with undiagnosed HIV-1 infection. Do not initiate APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP unless negative infection status is confirmed. Individuals who acquire HIV-1 while receiving APRETUDE for PrEP must transition to a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen. ( 2.2 , 4 , 5.1 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Comprehensive management to reduce the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. ( 5.1 ) • Potential risk of developing resistance to APRETUDE if an individual acquires HIV-1 either before or while taking APRETUDE or following discontinuation of APRETUDE. Reassess risk of HIV-1 acquisition and test before each injection to confirm HIV-1 negative status. ( 5.2 ) • Residual concentrations of cabotegravir may remain in the systemic circulation of individuals up to 12 months or longer. ( 5.3 ) • Serious or severe hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with cabotegravir and include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Discontinue APRETUDE immediately if signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions develop. ( 5.4 ) • Hepatotoxicity has been reported in individuals receiving cabotegravir. Clinical and laboratory monitoring should be considered. Discontinue APRETUDE if hepatotoxicity is suspected. ( 5.5 ) • Depressive disorders have been reported with APRETUDE. Prompt evaluation is recommended for depressive symptoms. ( 5.6 ) 5.1 Comprehensive Management to Reduce the Risk of HIV-1 Infection Use APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy including adherence to the administration schedule and safer sex practices, including condoms, to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). APRETUDE is not always effective in preventing HIV-1 acquisition [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . The time from initiation of APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP to maximal protection against HIV-1 infection is unknown. Risk for HIV-1 acquisition includes behavioral, biological, or epidemiologic factors including, but not limited to, condomless sex, past or current STIs, self-identified HIV risk, having sexual partners of unknown HIV-1 viremic status, or sexual activity in a high prevalence area or network. Counsel individuals on the use of other prevention measures (e.g., consistent and correct condom use; knowledge of partner(s)’ HIV-1 status, including viral suppression status; regular testing for STIs that can facilitate HIV-1 transmission). Inform individuals about and support their efforts in reducing sexual risk behavior. Use APRETUDE to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV-1 only in individuals confirmed to be HIV‑1 negative [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . HIV-1 resistance substitutions may emerge in individuals with undiagnosed HIV‑1 infection who are taking only APRETUDE, because APRETUDE alone does not constitute a complete regimen for HIV-1 treatment [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )] ; therefore, care should be taken to minimize the risk of initiating or continuing APRETUDE before confirming the individual is HIV-1 negative. • Prior to initiating APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP, ask seronegative individuals about recent (in past month) potential exposure events (e.g., condomless sex or condom breaking during sex with a partner of unknown HIV-1 status or unknown viremic status, a recent STI), and evaluate for current or recent signs or symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection (e.g., fever, fatigue, myalgia, skin rash). • If recent (<1 month) exposures to HIV-1 are suspected or clinical symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection are present, use a test approved or cleared by the FDA as an aid in the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. When using APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP, HIV-1 testing should be repeated prior to each injection and upon diagnosis of any other STIs [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.5 )] . • If an HIV-1 test indicates possible HIV-1 infection, or if symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection develop following an exposure event, additional HIV testing to determine HIV status is needed. If an individual has confirmed HIV-1 infection, then the individual must be transitioned to a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen. Counsel individuals without HIV-1 to strictly adhere to the recommended dosing and testing schedule for APRETUDE in order to reduce the risk of HIV-1 acquisition and the potential development of resistance [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 , 2.5 ), Microbiology ( 12.4 )] . Some individuals, such as adolescents, may benefit from frequent visits and counseling to support adherence to the dosing and testing schedule [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ), Microbiology ( 12.4 ), Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . 5.2 Potential Risk of Resistance with APRETUDE There is a potential risk of developing resistance to APRETUDE if an individual acquires HIV-1 either before or while taking APRETUDE or following discontinuation of APRETUDE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.3 )] . To minimize this risk, it is essential to clinically reassess individuals for risk of HIV-1 acquisition and to test before each injection to confirm HIV-1 negative status. Individuals who are confirmed to have HIV-1 infection must transition to a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen. Alternative forms of PrEP should be considered following discontinuation of APRETUDE for those individuals at continuing risk of HIV-1 acquisition and initiated within 2 months of the final injection of APRETUDE. 5.3 Long-Acting Properties and Potential Associated Risks with APRETUDE Residual concentrations of cabotegravir may remain in the systemic circulation of individuals for prolonged periods (up to 12 months or longer). It is important to carefully select individuals who agree to the required every-2-month injection dosing schedule because non-adherence to every‑2-monthly injections or missed doses could lead to HIV-1 acquisition and development of resistance. Healthcare providers should take the prolonged-release characteristics of cabotegravir into consideration when APRETUDE is prescribed [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.2 ), Overdosage ( 10 )] . 5.4 Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious or severe hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with cabotegravir and include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Administration of cabotegravir oral lead-in dosing was used in clinical studies to help identify participants who may be at risk of a hypersensitivity reaction. Remain vigilant and discontinue APRETUDE if a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Discontinue APRETUDE immediately if signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions develop (including, but not limited to, severe rash, or rash accompanied by fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, blisters, mucosal involvement [oral blisters or lesions], conjunctivitis, facial edema, hepatitis, eosinophilia, angioedema, difficulty breathing). Clinical status, including liver transaminases, should be monitored and appropriate therapy initiated. For information regarding the long-acting properties of APRETUDE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . 5.5 Hepatotoxicity Hepatotoxicity has been reported in a limited number of individuals receiving cabotegravir with or without known pre-existing hepatic disease or identifiable risk factors [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Clinical and laboratory monitoring should be considered and APRETUDE should be discontinued if hepatotoxicity is suspected and individuals managed as clinically indicated. For information regarding the long-acting properties of APRETUDE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . 5.6 Depressive Disorders Depressive disorders (including depression, depressed mood, major depression, persistent depressive disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt) have been reported with APRETUDE [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Promptly evaluate individuals with depressive symptoms to assess whether the symptoms are related to APRETUDE and to determine whether the risks of continued therapy outweigh the benefits. 5.7 Risk of Reduced…
Who should not take Apretude
APRETUDE is contraindicated in individuals: • with unknown or positive HIV-1 status [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 )] . • with previous hypersensitivity reaction to cabotegravir [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . • receiving the following coadministered drugs for which significant decreases in cabotegravir plasma concentrations may occur due to uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A1 enzyme induction, which may result in reduced effectiveness [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 , 7.3 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] : o Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin o Antimycobacterials: Rifampin, rifapentine • Unknown or positive HIV-1 status. ( 4 ) • Previous hypersensitivity reaction to cabotegravir. ( 4 ) • Coadministration with drugs where significant decreases in cabotegravir plasma concentrations may occur. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
There is no known specific treatment for overdose with APRETUDE. If overdose occurs, monitor the individual and apply standard supportive treatment as required as well as observation of the clinical status of the individual. As APRETUDE is highly bound to plasma proteins, it is unlikely that it will be significantly removed by dialysis. Consider the prolonged exposure to APRETUDE following an injection when assessing treatment needs and recovery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] .
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Refer to the full prescribing information for important drug interactions with APRETUDE. ( 4 , 5.7 , 7 ) • Drugs that induce uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A1 may significantly decrease plasma concentrations of cabotegravir. ( 4 , 7.2 , 7.3 ) 7.1 Use of Other Antiretroviral Drugs after Discontinuation of APRETUDE Residual concentrations of cabotegravir may remain in the systemic circulation of individuals for prolonged periods (up to 12 months or longer). These residual concentrations are not expected to affect the exposures of antiretroviral drugs that are initiated after discontinuation of APRETUDE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.4 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect APRETUDE Cabotegravir is primarily metabolized by UGT1A1 with some contribution from UGT1A9. Drugs that are strong inducers of UGT1A1 or 1A9 are expected to decrease cabotegravir plasma concentrations; therefore, coadministration of APRETUDE with these drugs is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . 7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Information regarding potential drug interactions with cabotegravir is provided in Table 8 . These recommendations are based on either drug interaction trials following oral administration of cabotegravir or predicted interactions due to the expected magnitude of the interaction [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Table 8 includes potentially significant interactions but is not all inclusive. Table 8. Drug Interactions with APRETUDE ↑ = Increase, ↓ = Decrease, ↔ = No change. Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration Clinical Comment Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine Oxcarbazepine Phenobarbital Phenytoin ↓Cabotegravir Coadministration is contraindicated with APRETUDE due to potential for significant decreases in plasma concentration of APRETUDE. Antimycobacterials: Rifampin Rifapentine ↓Cabotegravir Antimycobacterial: Rifabutin ↓Cabotegravir When rifabutin is started before or concomitantly with the first initiation injection of APRETUDE, the recommended dosing of APRETUDE is one 600-mg (3-mL) injection, followed 2 weeks later by a second 600‑mg (3-mL) initiation injection and monthly thereafter while on rifabutin. When rifabutin is started at the time of the second initiation injection or later, the recommended dosing schedule of APRETUDE is 600‑mg (3 mL) monthly while on rifabutin. After stopping rifabutin, the recommended dosing schedule of APRETUDE is 600-mg (3 mL) every 2 months. 7.4 Drugs without Clinically Significant Interactions with Cabotegravir Based on drug interaction study results, the following drugs can be coadministered with cabotegravir (non-antiretrovirals) or given after discontinuation of cabotegravir (antiretrovirals and non-antiretrovirals) without a dose adjustment: etravirine, midazolam, oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol, and rilpivirine [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Storing Apretude, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Store APRETUDE at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F) in the original carton until ready to use.”
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Apretude ranks — best-rated human immunodeficiency virus integrase strand transfer inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Kit
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Apretude treat?
- Apretude (Cabotegravir) may be used to treat HIV infections, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Apretude?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Apretude. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Apretude?
- Apretude is marketed by Viiv Hlthcare. You can see Viiv Hlthcare's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Apretude a brand-name or generic drug?
- Apretude is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Cabotegravir.
- Is Apretude available over the counter?
- No. Apretude is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Apretude come in?
- Apretude is currently marketed as kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Apretude?
- Apretude is classified as human immunodeficiency virus integrase strand transfer inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Apretude FDA-registered?
- Apretude is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA215499. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Apretude safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Apretude. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Apretude?
- Apretude's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are described below and in other sections of the labeling: • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Depressive disorders [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] The most common adverse… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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