CABENUVA is a long acting injectable treatment containing cabotegravir and rilpivirine that is used as a complete regimen for certain people with HIV 1 infection. Like other medicines, it can cause side effects that range from temporary injection site reactions to less common but potentially serious problems. Understanding these effects can help people recognize symptoms that should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Treatment considerations may include medical history, other medications, liver health, pregnancy considerations, and maintaining scheduled injections. This article provides general information about common and serious CABENUVA side effects.
CABENUVA contains the antiretroviral medicines cabotegravir and rilpivirine and is administered by a healthcare professional as injections. It may be given monthly or every two months, depending on the treatment plan. Because the medicines remain in the body for an extended period, healthcare professionals consider a person's medical history, current medications, previous treatment response, and ability to attend scheduled appointments before and during treatment.
Injection site reactions are among the most frequently reported effects associated with CABENUVA. These reactions can include pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, warmth, or a hardened area or lump where the injections were administered. Other commonly reported effects include fever, tiredness, headache, muscle or bone pain, nausea, sleep problems, dizziness, and rash.
Many side effects can be temporary, but people receiving CABENUVA should communicate new or persistent symptoms to their healthcare professional. Monitoring can help distinguish expected reactions from symptoms that may require further assessment.
Common effects may include:
Injection site pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, or warmth
A hardened area or lump at the injection site
Fever and tiredness
Headache or muscle and bone pain
Nausea
Sleep problems or dizziness
Rash
The frequency and severity of side effects can vary among individuals. Healthcare professionals can provide advice about managing symptoms and determining whether treatment should continue.
Although many side effects are not severe, CABENUVA can cause serious reactions. These include allergic reactions, post-injection reactions, liver problems, and depression or other mood changes. Post-injection reactions can occur shortly after the rilpivirine injection and may involve breathing difficulties, stomach cramps, sweating, chest or back pain, rash, dizziness, faintness, or changes in blood pressure.
Certain factors are particularly important when considering CABENUVA treatment:
A history of allergy to cabotegravir or rilpivirine should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Other medicines should be reviewed because certain medications can interact with CABENUVA.
People with liver problems, including hepatitis B or C, may require particular attention to liver health.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Mental health history and new mood changes should be reported.
Scheduled injection appointments are important for maintaining the treatment plan.
CABENUVA should not be used with certain medicines, including some anticonvulsants, rifamycin antibiotics, prolonged dexamethasone treatment, and St John's wort. A healthcare professional should review prescription medicines, over the counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements before treatment.
People should seek prompt medical attention for symptoms suggesting a serious allergic reaction, significant liver problems, severe post-injection reactions, or serious changes in mood. CABENUVA can remain in the body for an extended period after the last injection, so treatment decisions and any change or discontinuation should be discussed with the healthcare professional managing HIV treatment.
CABENUVA side effects and treatment considerations vary from person to person. Understanding common injection site reactions, recognizing potentially serious symptoms, reviewing medication interactions, and maintaining communication with a healthcare professional can support safer treatment decisions.