Apretude Injectable Suspension (cabotegravir) long-acting PrEP injection

Apretude Injectable Suspension is a prescription, long-acting cabotegravir injection used for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex. This page summarizes how clinic dosing is typically scheduled, what routine testing may involve, and practical handling details. BorderFreeHealth supports access with US shipping from Canada for people paying cash, including those without insurance, once a valid prescription is confirmed.

What Apretude Injectable Suspension Is and How It Works

This medicine contains cabotegravir, an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI, a drug class that blocks a key viral enzyme). By preventing HIV from integrating into human DNA, the drug can help stop the virus from establishing infection when it is used as PrEP and taken on schedule. Because this is an extended-release intramuscular suspension, cabotegravir is released slowly from the injection site over time.

Medications are dispensed through licensed Canadian partner pharmacies. Long-acting therapy can be useful for people who prefer fewer dosing days, but it also means cabotegravir can remain in the body for a period after the last injection. For that reason, the official labeling emphasizes ongoing HIV testing and clear plans for missed appointments. For background on PrEP in general, see What Is PrEP Medication.

Who It’s For

PrEP is intended for people who are currently HIV-negative and have ongoing risk of HIV exposure through sex. A healthcare professional will typically review recent HIV test results, symptoms that could suggest acute HIV infection, and the timing of any recent potential exposures before starting a long-acting option. Community-level HIV education and prevention resources may also help with decision-making; the site’s HIV Condition Hub is a browseable collection of related topics.

Apretude Injectable Suspension may not be appropriate for someone who already has HIV, has had a serious allergic reaction to cabotegravir, or cannot reliably return for scheduled injections and required testing. It is not a treatment for established HIV infection. People who need clarity on terms often used in clinics may find it helpful to review HIV Vs AIDS Difference before discussing next steps with a prescriber.

Dosage and Usage

This therapy is administered as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional, typically in the gluteal (buttock) muscle. For PrEP, dosing is commonly described as an initiation phase followed by a maintenance phase: two starter injections given about one month apart, then ongoing injections about every two months. Clinics may also consider an oral lead-in (short course of tablets) in some situations to assess tolerability, based on labeling and local availability.

Apretude Injectable Suspension is not designed for self-injection at home. Visit timing matters because low drug levels could increase the chance of HIV infection and resistance if exposure occurs. If an appointment will be delayed, the prescriber or clinic can advise how to stay protected using label-directed options. Testing logistics can vary by location; for context on turnaround times, see How Long HIV Test Takes.

Why it matters: Long-acting PrEP works best when dosing and HIV testing stay on schedule.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as a suspension for injection in a single-dose vial. The labeled presentation is cabotegravir 600 mg per 3 mL, which is prepared and administered by trained clinical staff. Because it is a suspension, the clinic follows the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and administration to help ensure the dose is delivered correctly.

Apretude Injectable Suspension is one way cabotegravir is provided for long-acting PrEP, and availability of supplies and administration appointments can vary. It may be listed alongside other prescription antivirals in category hubs like Antivirals Category. A prescription is required, and clinicians typically coordinate the injection visit, HIV testing cadence, and follow-up plan.

Storage and Travel Basics

Storage requirements are important because temperature extremes can affect injectable suspensions. Product is commonly kept refrigerated according to the carton instructions, protected from light, and not frozen. Clinics often allow the vial to reach room temperature before administration, as directed by labeling, to improve comfort and handling during preparation. Because policies differ, patients usually do not need to store the vial at home unless specifically instructed.

If travel, relocation, or schedule changes are expected, it helps to plan injection visits in advance and confirm how the clinic handles any needed transfers. People may also want to align PrEP follow-up with other preventive care dates and regular testing reminders. For broader HIV prevention awareness and screening reminders, National HIV Testing Day provides additional context.

Quick tip: Keep a list of recent doses and lab dates in one place.

Side Effects and Safety

Like many intramuscular therapies, the most common issues are injection-site reactions. These can include pain, tenderness, swelling, firmness, or a lump where the medication was given, and they often improve over time. Other effects reported with cabotegravir long-acting injection can include headache, fever, tiredness, muscle or joint aches, nausea, dizziness, and rash. Any new or persistent symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially after the first doses.

More serious concerns can include allergic or hypersensitivity reactions and liver-related problems (which may show up as abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes). Mood changes have also been reported with some medicines in this class, so changes in sleep, anxiety, or depression symptoms should be mentioned promptly. Prescriptions are confirmed with the original prescriber before dispensing. Clinics also emphasize HIV testing before starting and during ongoing care because starting long-acting cabotegravir during undiagnosed HIV infection can lead to drug-resistant virus.

Apretude Injectable Suspension has a prolonged “tail” after stopping, meaning drug levels decline gradually. During that period, a prescriber may recommend another proven HIV prevention approach if exposure risk continues. For myth-busting around transmission routes that sometimes confuse testing decisions, see HIV From Kissing and HIV From Saliva.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Cabotegravir is affected by certain medicines that speed up drug metabolism (enzyme inducers). Strong inducers—such as rifampin or rifapentine (often used for tuberculosis), some seizure medicines (for example carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital), and the herbal supplement St. John’s wort—can lower cabotegravir levels and may reduce PrEP protection. A clinician should review all prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements before the first injection and whenever the medication list changes.

Other cautions may apply in pregnancy or breastfeeding, in people with liver disease, or when symptoms suggest possible acute HIV infection. Because this is an intramuscular gluteal injection, clinicians may also consider factors that affect injection technique and comfort, such as bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use. The safest approach is to share a full health history and confirm the monitoring plan described in the product labeling.

Compare With Alternatives

Pre-exposure prophylaxis can be delivered in different ways, and the best fit often depends on adherence patterns, medical history, and access to regular testing. Daily oral PrEP tablets are widely used and may be preferred when someone wants a rapidly stoppable option. Some settings also use event-driven (“2-1-1”) oral PrEP for certain populations, though it is not appropriate for everyone and is not the standard approach in all regions.

Apretude Injectable Suspension is a long-acting option that may suit people who do not want a daily pill routine, but it requires clinic visits and careful follow-up if doses are delayed or stopped. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is different: it is used after a potential exposure and must be started quickly under medical guidance. For related listings, see Apretude Product Page (availability can differ by pharmacy and region).

Pricing and Access

Out-of-pocket pricing for long-acting PrEP often reflects more than the medicine alone. Total expenses may include clinic administration fees, required HIV and STI testing, and follow-up visits. Apretude Injectable Suspension may also require scheduling support to keep initiation and maintenance injections aligned with the labeled intervals. When comparing options, it can help to separate medication charges from clinic service charges.

Cash-pay options may help when insurance coverage is limited. Some people explore manufacturer support programs, public health clinics, or community services to reduce overall financial barriers, depending on eligibility. Information about sitewide offers, when available, is listed on Current Promotions.

To start, a valid prescription is required and will be verified with the prescriber before dispensing. For site actions, submit prescription details in your account and choose prompt, express shipping when available.

Authoritative Sources

For decisions about PrEP medicines and monitoring, the most reliable references are the official product label and public health guidance. These sources describe who the medicine is indicated for, how HIV testing is performed around dosing, and which interactions matter most. They also outline steps for missed doses and what symptoms warrant urgent evaluation.

Use these references to support a focused conversation with a healthcare professional, especially if there has been a recent possible exposure, new symptoms, or a change in other medicines. Reading primary sources can also help clarify which details are fixed (label requirements) and which are individualized (clinic protocols and patient history).

• FDA prescribing information is provided in the Apretude label (PDF).
• CDC PrEP recommendations are summarized in CDC PrEP Basics.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.