Keywords

AIDS, cabotegravir/rilpivirine, HIV, Infectious disease, pharmacology, primary care

 

Authors

  1. Blackwell, Christopher W. PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, FAAN
  2. (Associate Professor & Director, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The FDA recently approved a unique treatment regimen for management of HIV-1 infection in adults. A one-time per month injection of cabotegravir/rilpivirine can replace a current, stable antiretroviral regimen in those with virologic suppression, without history of treatment failure, or known or suspected resistance with cabotegravir or rilpivirine. A one-month oral trial should be initiated before switching to the extended-release injectable formulation. Cabotegravir/rilpivirine showed continued virologic suppression without clinically relevant changes in CD4+ cell counts. Clinicians should understand this new HIV regimen, its indications and suitability for select patients, administration and dosing, interactions, and most reported adverse events.