Cabotegravir is an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) that must be used in combination with Rilpivirine (EDURANT). It is indicated for the short-term treatment of virologically suppressed adult patients with HIV-1 infection.

What Are the Side Effects of Cabotegravir?

Common Side Effects

Headache.

Nausea.

Abnormal dreams.

Anxiety.

Insomnia.

Serious Side Effects of Cabotegravir Requiring Vigilance

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Cabotegravir may cause severe allergic reactions, which manifest as:Skin rash (with or without fever),Mucosal damage (e.g., oral blisters, conjunctivitis),Facial or throat edema,Dyspnea (difficulty breathing),Hepatitis or eosinophilia,Management Measures: Discontinue the drug immediately and seek medical attention; monitor liver function indicators.

Hepatotoxicity

Liver injury may occur regardless of whether the patient has a history of liver disease.

Regular monitoring of liver enzyme levels is required.

Warning Symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), tea-colored urine, pale stools, pain in the right upper abdomen.

Depressive Disorders

Mood swings, depressed mood, or suicidal ideation may occur.

Timely assessment of the association between symptoms and the drug is necessary.

Risk of Drug Interactions

Concomitant use of Cabotegravir with the following drugs may lead to treatment failure:

Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, Phenytoin Sodium, etc.

Antituberculous drugs: Rifampicin, Rifapentine.

Precautions for Using Cabotegravir

Contraindicated Populations

Patients with a history of allergy to Cabotegravir.

Patients currently using strong UGT1A1 inducers (such as the aforementioned anticonvulsants/antituberculous drugs).

Medication Use in Special Populations

Pregnant Women: The benefits and risks must be weighed.

Lactating Women: Breastfeeding is prohibited (due to the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission).

Patients with Hepatic or Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is needed for mild to moderate impairment; caution is advised for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Key Administration Points

Management of Missed Doses: Take the missed dose as soon as possible, but do not take a double dose.

Use of Antacids: An interval of 2 hours (before taking Cabotegravir) or 4 hours (after taking Cabotegravir) is required between administering antacids and Cabotegravir.

Monitoring Requirements

Conduct regular liver function tests before starting treatment and during treatment.

Pay attention to changes in mood and skin reactions.