This is an automatically translated article.
Apretude is a prescription drug, used in certain cases on the advice of a doctor. So what is Apretude and how is it used?
1. What is Apretude?
Apretude is prepared as a suspension for intramuscular injection, with the main ingredient in each injection including cabotegravir 600 mg/3 mL. Apretude is used for HIV-1 PrEP to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35kg. HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Apretude is used to help reduce the risk of getting the HIV-1 virus, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or “PrEP”.
Before you are using Apretude for HIV-1 PrEP, you need to know:
Apretude does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Practice safer sex by using latex or polyurethane condoms to reduce your risk of STIs. You must be HIV-1 negative to continue receiving Apretude for HIV-1 PrEP. Apretude should not be used in the following cases:
Already infected with HIV-1 . Don't know your HIV-1 status. Are allergic to cabotegravir. Before using Apretude, tell your doctor about all medical conditions, including:
Ever had a skin rash or allergic reaction to medicines containing cabotegravir. Have or are having liver problems. Ever had mental health problems. Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant: Health professionals do not know if Apretude will harm an unborn baby. Apretude can stay in the body for up to 12 months or longer after the last injection. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Apretude. Breast-feeding: Health professionals do not know if Apretude can pass to your baby through breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to breastfeed your baby while receiving Apretude. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
2. Dosage and how to use Apretude
Apretude is initially injected into the gluteal muscle 1 time per month for the first 2 months, then 1 injection every 2 months.
Before receiving your first dose of Apretude injection, your doctor may ask you to take 1 cabotegravir orally once daily for 1 month (at least 28 days). This will allow your doctor to assess how well you will tolerate cabotegravir.
If you miss or plan to miss a scheduled Apretude shot for more than 7 days, call your doctor right away to discuss PrEP options.
If you stop receiving Apretude, talk to your doctor about other options to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1.
3. Side effects of the drug Apretude
Apretude can cause serious side effects including:
Allergic reactions: Call your doctor at once if you develop a rash after using Apretude. Stop receiving Apretude and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: Fever Feeling sick Fatigue Muscle or joint pain Shortness of breath Blisters or sores in the mouth. Red or swollen eyes Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. Liver problems: Liver problems have occurred in people with or without a history of liver problems or other risk factors. Your doctor may do blood tests to check your liver function. Call your doctor at once if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: Jaundice of your skin or eyes Dark urine Light-colored stools Nausea or vomiting Loss of appetite Pain in your stomach right side of your stomach area Itching Depression or mood swings. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: Feeling sad or hopeless Feeling anxious or restless Have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or tried to hurt yourself The most common side effects of Apretude include:
Pain, mass or hard lump, swelling, bruising, redness, itching, heat, loss of sensation at the injection site, pressure car and change color. Diarrhea Headache Fever Fatigue Sleep problems Nausea Dizziness Abdominal pain Vomiting Muscle pain Rash Loss of appetite Drowsiness Back pain Acute respiratory failure These are not all possible side effects while using Apretude. Call your doctor or go to the nearest medical facility for advice if you experience any side effects of Apretude.
Hope the above sharing has helped you better understand how to use and dosage of Apretude. The correct and sufficient use not only improves health but also minimizes side effects to patients.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
