You've probably heard the term HIV PrEP. Simply put, it's a medical procedure used to reduce the risk of getting HIV. For a long time, this involved taking pills every day. But now, with the advancement of technology, there's a vaccine that can be given once every few months. So today, we're going to talk about this new, more convenient vaccine called Cabotegravir .
What exactly is Cabotegravir?
Cabotegravir is a drug given as part of a regimen called HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This means that it is a drug that is taken before exposure to the HIV virus, that is, before infection occurs , to protect against it. This vaccine works by limiting the spread of HIV in our bodies.
But there's one very important thing to remember. While this vaccine will protect you from HIV, it won't protect you from other sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ). So it's definitely important to practice safe sex.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this vaccine, it is very important to talk to your doctor completely openly. They need to be fully informed about your health. Be sure to mention these things in particular:
- Flu-like symptoms: If you have recently had symptoms such as fever, body aches , cough, headache , and extreme fatigue.
- Liver disease: If you have a pre-existing liver condition.
- Mental health issues: If you are suffering from stress, depression, or another mental health condition.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Cabotegravir or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor.
How to use the vaccine and schedule
This is not a shot you can take home and give yourself. It must be given into a muscle by a doctor or trained nurse in a hospital or clinic.
The schedule usually goes like this:
1. First two months: One injection is given once a month.
2. After that: You only need to get one injection every two months.
Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe a single Cabotegravir pill, taken once a day, for about a month before starting the vaccine. This is to see how your body will react to the medication and whether you can tolerate it.
Is this suitable for young children?
This vaccine can also be recommended for children over the age of 12 in selected cases. However, special precautions must be followed. Your doctor will explain this to you.
What if I miss the day I need to get vaccinated?
This is a very important point. To maximize protection against HIV, it is essential to get the vaccine on the exact dates . Do not skip these dates for any reason.
If you are unable to come on time, call your doctor immediately and let them know. He or she will explain what to do next.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Not all medications you take are compatible with Cabotegravir. Some medications can reduce the effectiveness of this vaccine. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins, and everything else.
| Drug category | Drugs that require special care |
|---|---|
| Do not take Cabotegravir vaccine with these at all. | |
| Certain seizure medications | Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Certain tuberculosis medications | Rifampin, Rifapentine |
| Tell your doctor as there may be interactions with these. | |
| Other medications | Methadone, Rifabutin |
Things to be careful about when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: It is essential to visit the clinic at the scheduled times as prescribed by your doctor to have yourself examined and undergo the necessary blood tests.
- HIV test: This is the most important thing. Before you get every vaccine, you will need to get an HIV test. The reason for this is to make sure you are not already infected with HIV.
- Safety: HIV is spread through sexual contact and blood. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent the spread of HIV.
- Injection site reactions: It is normal to experience some soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Many people experience this. This usually subsides within a few days. Ask your doctor about things you can do to minimize this discomfort.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, the Cabotegravir vaccine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| If you notice these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Serious allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness. |
| Mental health changes | Suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming yourself, worsening of mental status, symptoms of depression. |
| Usually nothing to worry about (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Other minor side effects | Abdominal bloating, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, pain or redness at the injection site, insomnia. |
Finally, since this vaccine is given in a hospital or clinic, you will not have to keep this medicine at home. If you have any further questions about this medicine, do not hold anything back, but ask your doctor directly.
Take-Home Message
- Cabotegravir is a vaccine used to prevent HIV infection (PrEP), not a medicine that cures HIV.
- It is imperative that this vaccine be administered according to a prescribed schedule and under the supervision of a doctor or nurse.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- It is essential to get an HIV test before receiving each dose of vaccine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe skin rash, yellowing of the eyes, or significant mental changes (especially thoughts of suicide).
- This vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases, so it is important to continue to follow safe methods.
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