Cabotegravir
Cabotegravir is a long-acting antiretroviral medication used in combination with rilpivirine (as CABENUVA) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults. It is administered as an injectable formulation, providing an alternative to daily oral antiretroviral therapy. This medication is used as a complete regimen for maintaining viral suppression in patients who are virologically stable.
Cabotegravir is a long-acting injectable antiretroviral used with rilpivirine to treat HIV-1 infection in adults, offering an alternative to daily oral medication.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AJ04
- RxNorm
- 2475077
- Generic
- Cabotegravir
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Vocabria, Apretude
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 30mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily (with rilpivirine)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 600mg every 2 months (after loading dose)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 weeks (initially: week 0, week 4, then q8w)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 600mg every 2 months
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 weeks (month 0, month 1, then q8w)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
cabotegravir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus
regular prenatal monitoring and fetal assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
continue therapy only if benefits outweigh potential risks
routine prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if benefits outweigh risks
consider continuing for maternal HIV prevention until delivery
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
cabotegravir is excreted in breast milk; breastfeeding should be avoided in HIV-positive mothers to prevent transmission
infant monitoring for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution due to limited clinical trial data in patients over 65 years
regular assessment of renal and hepatic function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17no dose adjustment required
approved for use in adolescents 12 years and older for HIV PrEP
regular monitoring of HIV status and adverse effects
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno dose adjustment required
use with caution; cabotegravir is not significantly renally cleared
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentno dose adjustment required
use with caution; cabotegravir is not significantly metabolized by hepatic enzymes
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Drug class information for Cabotegravir
FDA approval year for PrEP
FDA approval of Apretude for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic uses of Cabotegravir
Available formulations
Formulation types available for Cabotegravir
Cabotegravir (as part of CABENUVA with rilpivirine) is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults who are virologically stable and suppressed. It is used as a complete regimen for maintenance therapy, offering an alternative to daily oral antiretroviral treatment.
Cabotegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) that works by binding to the integrase enzyme and blocking the strand transfer step of viral DNA integration into host cell DNA, preventing HIV replication.
Cabotegravir is administered as long-acting monthly or every-other-month intramuscular injections by a healthcare provider. Missing doses can lead to viral resistance, so adherence to the injection schedule is critical. Patients must be carefully selected and monitored for potential drug interactions and injection site reactions.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy