Injectable PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is an HIV antiviral medication for individuals who are HIV-negative. Designed to prevent HIV infection before exposure to the virus. Previously, PrEP was available in pill form, specifically with Truvada and Descovy. Individuals at risk of HIV exposure had to take the pills daily to reduce the risk of infection by up to 99%.
But now there is an alternative: injectable PrEP. Which the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved as Antiviral drugs the first type of pre-exposure prophylaxis for people. Who are not HIV-infected.
On December 20, it was Apretude, an injectable PrEP drug. The first injection requires two doses within one month, and then every two months, which reduces the risk of HIV infection by 69 percent.
Apretude, generically known as Cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension, is an injectable form of the PrEP drug Cabotegravir.
Apretude can cause more side effects than pills, including headache, fever, fainting, fatigue, back pain, muscle aches, rash, or swelling at the injection site.
The manufacturer requires users to weigh more than 77 pounds, and warns against severe allergic reactions, liver damage, and mood disorders or depression.
It also comes with a high price tag of $3,700 per shot, or $22,000 per year for six doses. And is expected to be available early next year. Doctors will advise and recommend taking the pill form of PrEP first, unless the person insists on taking the shot. As Apretude is quite expensive. If PrEP is recommended as an injectable drug from the start of treatment. Because this new drug is not yet covered by insurance. Even though the federal government has previously announced that insurers must cover the cost of Truvada and Descovy.
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