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DownloadAntiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are now available in injection form which can be used as an alternative to tablets to treat HIV. This information leaflet is for people who are interested in starting these new ARV injections.
Cabotegravir (also known as Vocabria®) and Rilpivirine (also known as Rekambys®)
Each is packaged separately but they are always given at the same time. This means that at each clinic appointment, you will be given two intramuscular (into the muscle) injections, one into each buttock.
Once established on the injections, you will no longer need to take tablets. This can be good for people who do not like to take tablets every day, find it difficult to remember to take their tablets or have swallowing difficulties. It could also be good for people without stable housing or for those who are concerned about confidentiality. For others it will be based on personal preference.
Not everyone is eligible for this treatment. We are guided by the evidence that is available from the research studies that tested the medication and by recommendations made by the British HIV Association (BHIVA). The criteria for injections are likely to change over time as more evidence is available.
Initial thought and planning is essential as it is very important that the injections are given on time. This will help you to agree an appointment schedule between you and the clinic. Think about when you have holidays planned or when you may not be able to attend appointments.
At your appointment with the pharmacist, agree a ‘target treatment date’. This will be when your first injections will be given and needs to be in at least 30 days
Not everyone is suitable for injectable treatment at present. There are strict criteria to make sure that people do not come to harm from switching to injections.
Day 0
Most people will start with an ‘oral lead-in’. This means taking a tablet version of the medication for 28-30 days to make sure they do not cause side-effects. This would be two tablets, taken together, once daily with a meal.
Day 30
Attend clinic on your target treatment date. You will be given your first two injections on this day, one in each buttock. You will also have your bloods checked on this date, including your HIV viral load.
Day 60
Your second injections need to be given one month later. You will be given two injections on this day, one in each buttock. You will also have your bloods checked on this date, including your HIV viral load.
Day 120
Your next injections will need to be given two months later. You will be given two injections on this day, one in each buttock. You will also have your bloods checked on this date, including your HIV viral load Every 60 days You will then continue to attend clinic every two months for ongoing injections and for blood tests.
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: July 2022
Review Date: April 2025