Have you or someone you know been prescribed Cabotegravir by your doctor as a treatment for HIV infection? Or are you interested in this medication to reduce your risk of HIV infection? Then this article will be very important for you. Today, we will talk in simple terms about this medication, how to use it, its side effects, and things to be aware of.
What is Cabotegravir?
Simply put, Cabotegravir is a drug that belongs to the antiretroviral class. It is mainly used to treat HIV infection. However, it is not used alone, but is usually given in combination with other HIV medications.
In addition, this medicine is also used to reduce the risk of HIV infection for those who are at high risk . We also call this PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). However, since this does not provide 100% protection, this medicine should be used in conjunction with safer sex practices .
The most important thing to remember is that while this medicine can help control HIV infection, it is not a cure. Also, it is important to remember that while taking this medicine may reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others, it will not completely eliminate it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking this medication, it is important to inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- If you have symptoms of a flu-like illness such as fever, body aches, cough, and headache.
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have a mental health problem (for example, depression).
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this medicine, Cabotegravir, another medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a nursing mother.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The way you use this medicine may vary slightly depending on the reason it was prescribed to you.
For HIV treatment:
Take the pill with a glass of water and with a meal. To get the best results from your treatment, it is important to take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, and without skipping any doses. Skipping doses can cause the HIV virus to become resistant to this medicine and other medicines. So keep taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
For HIV prevention (PrEP):
Take the pill with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset after taking the pill, it is best to take it with a meal. Here too, it is important to take the pill exactly as it is supposed to be taken, without skipping any time.
Very important!
If you are taking other medications (e.g. antacids, some vitamins) that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc, do not take those medications and Cabotegravir at the same time.
- Take such medications 2 hours before taking the Cabotegravir pill.
- Otherwise, take the Cabotegravir pill 4 hours later.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Cabotegravir. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, as well as any vitamins or herbal remedies you use.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Do not take Cabotegravir with this medicine. | |
| Some medications for epilepsy | Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Some medicines for tuberculosis | Rifampin, Rifapentine |
| Tell your doctor about these, as they can cause problems. | |
| Products containing antacids, vitamins, and minerals | Anything containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc. (Take according to the times mentioned earlier) |
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like any medication, Cabotegravir can cause side effects. Some of them are serious and require immediate attention.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and extreme fatigue. |
| Mental changes | Thoughts of harming yourself, increasing depression, worsening mood. |
| Symptoms of fever | Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, headache, fatigue. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature , below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Do not use expired medications. Dispose of them properly. If you are unsure about how to dispose of them, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Cabotegravir is a medication that helps control and prevent HIV infection and should only be taken under the advice of a doctor.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, without skipping any time .
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or traditional medicine you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as signs of liver damage, severe allergic reactions, or mental changes, seek medical advice immediately.
- This is not a cure for HIV. Therefore, continue to follow safe practices to prevent the spread of HIV.
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