There are many advanced ways to prevent HIV infection today. So, one of the most important and successful ways is this vaccine called Cabotegravir. If your doctor decides that you are at risk of HIV infection, he or she may recommend this vaccine for you. So, without further ado, let's talk about this clearly.
Simply put, what is Cabotegravir?
Cabotegravir is an antiretroviral drug. Its main function is to help people at high risk of HIV infection reduce their risk . It is usually used in conjunction with safe sex practices.
But it's important to remember: this is not a cure for HIV. It's only intended to help prevent infection.
This medication is available on the market under the brand name Apretude. However, doctors may also use it for other purposes. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start this vaccine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health condition, because that information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
| Situation you need to report | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever, cold-like symptoms | If you have symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, headache, and extreme fatigue. |
| Liver diseases | If you currently have or have had any liver disease. |
| Mental health problems | If you have a history of mental health conditions such as depression. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to cabotegravir or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How is this vaccine used?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is an injection into a muscle . Therefore, it is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained doctor or nursing staff.
The usual vaccination schedule is as follows:
- First two months: One injection once a month.
- After that: a vaccine every two months.
Sometimes, before starting the vaccine, your doctor may prescribe cabotegravir as a daily pill for about a month to see how your body responds to the drug.
Do you use this for children?
Yes, this vaccine can be recommended in special cases, even for young children over 12 years of age. However, special precautions must be followed.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if something does happen, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
What to do if you miss a dose of the vaccine?
This is very important. It is essential to go to your scheduled appointment for your vaccinations on time . If you miss a dose, the levels of the medicine in your body may decrease, which may reduce your protection against HIV. If you are unable to go at your scheduled appointment for any reason, call your doctor or clinic immediately and let them know.
Other medicines that should not be used with this medicine
Some medications may interact with the Cabotegravir vaccine, reducing its effectiveness or increasing side effects.
| Never use with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| Some medications used for epilepsy (fits) | Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin |
| Some medicines given for tuberculosis | Rifampin, Rifapentine |
| Reactions may occur with these medications (inform the doctor) | |
| Other medications | Methadone, Rifabutin |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . It's also important to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
What are the things to be careful about when getting vaccinated?
- Medical tests: Stay in touch with your doctor to monitor your progress. Get any necessary blood work done on time.
- HIV test: This is very important! Before you are given any vaccine, you will be tested for HIV to make sure you are not infected with HIV. This is because if you are already infected with HIV, using this vaccine alone could make the virus resistant to drugs.
- Safety measures: HIV is a sexually transmitted disease or blood-borne infection. So even if you get this vaccine, talk to your doctor about safety measures you can take to prevent the spread of HIV.
- Injection site: There may be some pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. This is normal. This will subside in a few days. Ask your doctor about things you can do to reduce the discomfort.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Fever, cold-like symptoms | Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, headache, extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, worsening of mental status, depressed feelings. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Other minor ailments | Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, insomnia, pain or redness at the injection site. |
Take-Home Message
- Cabotegravir is a vaccine that helps prevent HIV infection, not a cure.
- This vaccine is given at a hospital or clinic. It is essential to arrive on time for your scheduled vaccination appointment.
- It is mandatory to have an HIV test before every vaccination.
- Inform your doctor about any other medications or health conditions you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as signs of liver damage, severe allergic reactions, or changes in mental status.
- It is very important to practice safe sex practices while using this vaccine.
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