We know the challenges of living with HIV. Taking pills every day and taking medication on time can sometimes be very tiring. So, what do you think about an injection that you get every month or two as an alternative to taking these daily pills? Today we are going to talk about one such new treatment. It is a combination of two drugs called Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, this is an antiretroviral medicine that works against the HIV virus. It is available on the market under the name Cabenuva . The specialty of this is that instead of taking pills daily, this treatment can be obtained as an injection into a muscle once a month or two months.
But it's important to remember this: This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. It only controls the HIV virus in the body. Also, taking this medicine does not completely eliminate the risk of transmitting HIV to another person, but it significantly reduces that risk.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before you start this vaccine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the conditions below.
- Heart disease: If you have or have had heart disease.
- Liver disease: If you have any problems with your liver.
- Mental health problems: If you have previously had mental health conditions such as depression.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to these medications (Cabotegravir, Rilpivirine) or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor.
Based on this information, it will be easier for your doctor to decide whether this treatment is right for you or not.
How is this vaccine used?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is an injection that is given into your muscle by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic .
The most important thing is to never miss your scheduled doses . If you miss doses, the HIV virus in your body can develop resistance to this medicine and other medicines used to treat HIV. If that happens, it will be very difficult to treat. So, continue to take your doses on time until your doctor tells you to stop treatment.
Is this suitable for young children?
In some special cases, this treatment is also given to young children over the age of 12. However, it requires special medical supervision.
What if I get too much medicine?
This is a hospital-based medication, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of this medication, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What do I do if I miss the scheduled vaccination date?
It is essential to get the vaccine on time. If for some reason you are unable to attend your appointment, call your doctor or clinic immediately and let them know. They will advise you on what to do next.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
It is very important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some medications can interfere with the effectiveness of this vaccine. Use the table below to get a clear idea.
| Drug category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken with this vaccine | |
| Dexamethasone (more than one dose) | This is a type of steroid. Taking it more than once can cause problems. |
| Some medications for epilepsy | Eg: Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Some antibiotics given for tuberculosis | Eg: Rifabutin, Rifampin, Rifapentine |
| St. John's wort | This is an herbal supplement. |
| Other medications that may cause problems (tell your doctor ) | |
| Some antibiotics | Eg: Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin |
| Methadone | A medicine given to drug addicts. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the vitamins, herbal products, and over-the-counter medications you take. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
- Regular medical check-ups: Visit the clinic on scheduled days and see your doctor. If you develop any new symptoms, talk to them about them. You may also need to have some important blood tests while taking this treatment.
- HIV Transmission: Remember that HIV is spread through sexual contact or blood. Talk to your doctor about safe ways to prevent this.
- Severe skin reactions: This is very important. Severe skin reactions can occur weeks or even months after starting this medicine. Watch for the following symptoms:
- A skin rash with symptoms similar to a fever or cold.
- Red or purple spots appear on the skin, which later blister or peel off.
- A red rash on the skin with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay and see your doctor or go to a hospital immediately .
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause some side effects. Some of them can be serious, while others can be common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergies | Itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, and mental confusion. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| General characteristics | Fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting. |
| Pain at the injection site | Redness, swelling, or pain where the injection was given. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine (Cabenuva) is a vaccine used to control HIV, but it is not a cure.
- This vaccine is given at a hospital or clinic. It is essential to get the vaccine on the scheduled date. Never skip a day.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe skin allergies (rash with fever, blisters) or mental changes (severe anxiety, depression).
- Always follow your doctor's instructions and attend scheduled clinic appointments.
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