Cabotegravir (Apretude) is a type of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). That’s a medicine you take to help protect you against infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. You take it as a shot, and it lasts longer than PrEP drugs you take as pills.
Like any medicine, it causes side effects for some people. They’re usually mild and may go away once your body gets used to the drug. But in rare cases, some can be serious.
How to Manage Common Side Effects of Cabotegravir (Apretude)
By far, the most common side effect of this drug is a reaction in the spot where the needle goes in your skin. Up to 80% of people who get the shot have at least one of these symptoms afterward:
- Bruising
- Bumps
- Itching
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- A feeling of warmth
Most of these side effects are minor and go away within a week. Over time, you may have fewer skin reactions. And any you have may be milder.
To relieve pain, redness, and swelling, hold a cold compress or ice pack to the spot where the needle went in. Ask your doctor whether it’s OK to take over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain and itching.
How to Manage Other Mild Side Effects of Cabotegravir (Apretude)
This medicine can cause some other mild side effects. They include:
Upset stomach. Some people have symptoms like these:
- Belly pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If they don’t feel serious, you may be able to manage these symptoms yourself at home. Drink extra water and other clear fluids to stay hydrated. Bland foods like crackers, rice, and bananas are easiest on an upset stomach. Talk to your doctor if you don’t feel better in a few days.
Headache. Many medicines can cause headaches, including cabotegravir shots. Rest is one way to relieve a headache. You might hold an ice pack or cool compress to your head. Or try an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. If the headache doesn’t go away or it gets worse, tell your doctor. The cause might be something other than your medication.
Flu-like symptoms. You might feel very tired or run a slight temperature after you take this medicine. An over-the-counter pain reliever should help bring down your fever. Because you can also get these symptoms when your immune system fights an infection like HIV, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
Sleep trouble. Some people say they have trouble sleeping or strange dreams while on this drug. This may improve once your body gets used to the medicine. In the meantime, try to go to bed at the same time each night to keep your body on a sleep schedule. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and exercise within 2 hours before bedtime. Turn off the TV and avoid using your phone, computer, and other electronics before bed to give your mind time to wind down.
Weight gain. In studies, people who got cabotegravir shots for about 2 years gained an average of 4-9 pounds. Doctors don’t know why this might happen. Changes to your diet or exercise routine may help you lose any weight you might put on. If you gain a lot of weight, your doctor may check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels more closely.
What to Do If You Have Serious Side Effects With Cabotegravir (Apretude)
It’s rare, but cabotegravir could cause some side effects that are serious and even potentially life-threatening. They include:
Severe allergic reactions. A small number of people who took medicines like cabotegravir have had serious allergic reactions. Watch for symptoms like these:
- Blisters
- Extreme tiredness
- Mouth sores
- Muscle or joint aches
- A rash that’s serious or comes with a fever
- Swelling of your face
- Trouble breathing
Get medical help right away if you have any of these side effects.
Liver damage. Your liver helps your body break down medicines. Some drugs, including cabotegravir, can damage the liver. A small number of people who took the medication in studies had abnormal liver test results.
Call your doctor quickly if you notice symptoms like:
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored stool
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Tiredness
- Yellowish skin and eyes (called jaundice)
Your doctor may test how well your liver works regularly while you take cabotegravir shots. They’ll stop the medicine if you have signs of liver damage.
Mood changes. A small number of people in studies had symptoms of depression when they took this drug. Tell your doctor if you notice that you:
- Aren’t interested in things you once enjoyed
- Can’t sleep enough or sleep too much
- Don’t have much energy
- Eat too much or too little
- Feel sad, empty, worthless, or helpless
- Think about dying or hurting yourself
If this medicine does affect your mood, your doctor can help you decide whether the benefits of taking it are worth the risks.
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, call 911 or the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away for help.