Cabenuva (Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine)
What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
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Product Details
Description
Cabenuva is the brand name for a combination of two antiretroviral drugs, Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine, used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. Cabotegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), while rilpivirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Together, they work by preventing the virus from multiplying, helping to control HIV infection. This medication is distinct for its long-acting formulation, administered as monthly or bimonthly injections by a healthcare provider.
Directions
When starting treatment with Cabenuva, patients typically undergo an initial oral lead-in phase to evaluate their tolerance to the medication. This Cabenuva dosing phase typically lasts around one month (at least 28 days) and involves taking one 30-mg Vocabria tablet (Cabotegravir) and one 25-mg Edurant tablet (Rilpivirine) daily. After the lead-in phase, the first set of injections, containing 600 mg of Cabotegravir and 900 mg of rilpivirine, are given by a healthcare provider on the final day of the oral lead-in.
Subsequent injections are administered monthly or every two months, as determined by the healthcare provider, and are delivered intramuscularly in the buttock muscle. It is crucial for patients to adhere to their injection schedule, although up to two months of oral therapy can be considered to account for a missed injection appointment.
Ingredients
Cabenuva is a co-formulated injectable treatment combining two active ingredients: Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine.
Contraindications
Patients should avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Previous allergic reactions to Cabotegravir or Rilpivirine, evidenced by symptoms such as rash, fever, or difficulty breathing.
- Drug Interactions: Taking Cabenuva with strong inducers of the enzymes UGT1A1 or UGT1A9 may decrease the effectiveness of Cabotegravir.
Cautions
- Before starting treatment with Cabenuva, be sure to inform your healthcare provider about the following:
- Any medical conditions you currently have
- Any allergies
- All medications you are currently taking
- Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If you experience severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or a serious rash, stop taking Cabenuva and seek medical help immediately.
- After receiving an injection, you should be monitored for about 10 minutes for any serious reactions like difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Regular liver tests are recommended, especially if you have a history of liver issues. This helps monitor for any signs of liver damage.
- If you start feeling depressed or notice significant mood changes, inform your healthcare provider right away to assess whether you should continue the treatment.
- Be aware of other medications you are taking as they can interact with Cabenuva, affecting its effectiveness or causing side effects.
- Cabenuva remains in the body for a long time. It's crucial to stick to your injection schedule to prevent drug resistance. If you decide to stop Cabenuva, discuss with your healthcare provider to switch to another treatment plan promptly.
Side Effects
Cabenuva is commonly associated with reactions at the injection site, such as pain, tenderness, hardness, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, and warmth. Other frequent side effects include fever, tiredness, headaches, muscle or bone pain, nausea, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and rash. These effects are generally manageable but can affect daily activities.
Cabenuva can cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions with symptoms like rash with fever, general illness, blisters or sores in the mouth, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, joint aches, and difficulty breathing. Post-injection reactions may involve trouble breathing, stomach cramps, sweating, numbness around the mouth, chest and back pain, and blood pressure changes, typically resolving within minutes. Liver problems can develop as jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain and require immediate medical help. In addition, if you experience depression or mood changes such as feeling sad, anxious, or having suicidal thoughts, consult a healthcare provider.
References:
- Cabenuva (Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine) Product Monograph. Durham, NC: ViiV Healthcare; 2023.
- Cabenuva (Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine) Drug Label Information. Durham, NC: ViiV Healthcare; 2023.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 14928
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