Cabotegravir is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) developed by ViiV Healthcare. It was first approved in the United States in 2021. As a significant innovative drug in the field of HIV treatment, cabotegravir is available both as an oral formulation under the name VOCABRIA and as a component of the long-acting injectable CABENUVA.

Indications for Cabotegravir

Main Therapeutic Uses

Cabotegravir tablets, when used in combination with rilpivirine, are indicated for the short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection, specifically in the following two groups of adult patients:

Patients who need to be assessed for tolerance to cabotegravir. These patients should have achieved virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) through a stable antiretroviral treatment regimen, with no history of treatment failure and no known or suspected resistance to cabotegravir or rilpivirine.

Patients requiring replacement for missed CABENUVA injections. For such patients, oral cabotegravir can replace the injectable dosing regimen for a maximum of 2 consecutive months.

Dosage Form, Strength and Composition of Cabotegravir

Dosage Form and Strength

Cabotegravir oral tablets are white, film-coated, oval, biconvex tablets, engraved with "SVCTV" on one side.

Each tablet contains 30 mg of cabotegravir (equivalent to 31.62 mg of cabotegravir sodium). They are packaged in bottles of 30 tablets, with child-resistant caps.

Composition

The active ingredient of cabotegravir tablets is cabotegravir sodium.

Inactive ingredients include: hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate.

Storage Methods for Cabotegravir

Storage Requirements

It should be stored at a temperature below 30°C (86°F).

It must be kept in its original packaging to protect from moisture and light.

It should be placed out of the reach of children.

Precautions for Use

Take it at a fixed time every day, either with food or on an empty stomach.

If taken together with rilpivirine, it is recommended to take with meals.

If antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, or calcium carbonate need to be taken, they should be administered either 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking cabotegravir.

The entire course of treatment must be completed as prescribed by the doctor; do not discontinue the medication on your own.