It is a form of long-acting PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) that is given every two months. It is a prescription only medication that is given at a sexual health clinic.
Who is it for?
The two-monthly injectable PrEP can be taken by anyone who is HIV negative, sexually active, doesn’t always use condoms and wants to protect themselves from HIV. In England, Wales and Scotland it has only been recommended for people who cannot have oral PrEP. You will need to talk to a healthcare professional such as a nurse or doctor in a sexual health clinic to check if you are eligible.
Three groups of people will be eligible for this form of injectable PrEP:
- people for whom oral PrEP is not suitable for medical reasons
- people who cannot have oral PrEP tablets (if, for example, they cannot swallow pills)
- people who cannot have oral PrEP because of social or personal circumstances. People will be assessed by their clinician, but this could include people in a relationship where they're afraid of a partner finding the pills, or people who have a more irregular or chaotic lifestyle, such as those who are homeless, experiencing addiction, going into prison, or military personnel posted abroad.
Taking two-monthly injectable PrEP
The injectable PrEP is administered by a trained healthcare professional at a sexual health clinic.
If you are eligible to get cabotegravir, you will have an HIV test to show that you are HIV negative before you get your first injection.
Your first injection will be followed up by another a month later. After your second injection, you will then get an injection once every two months.
Tests for kidney function are not required for cabotegravir.
Side effects & safety
Common (usually mild and settle in a few days):
- Injection-site reactions such as pain, tenderness, lump, swelling, hardness, warmth, itching.
- Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, rash.
Uncommon (it’s important to get in touch with your nurse or doctor straight away):
- Allergic reactions such as a rash.
- Liver reactions including jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain.
- Mood changes, depression.
Two-monthly injectable PrEP is not suitable for anyone who is allergic to cabotegravir or who is taking carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, or rifapentine.
If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk to a healthcare professional such as a nurse or doctor about whether two-monthly injectable PrEP is right for you.
Stopping taking two-monthly injectable PrEP
If you miss or plan to miss an injection by more than 7 days, speak to your nurse or doctor right away to discuss your PrEP options so you stay protected from HIV.
If you stop receiving your two-monthly PrEP injection, speak to your nurse or doctor about other options such as oral PrEP or condoms to prevent HIV.
