Cabenuva is a brand-name prescription medication that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in certain people with HIV.
Cabenuva can be prescribed for use in people ages 12 years and older. It should be used only after your HIV has been effectively treated with other medications, and you have a low or undetectable level of HIV in your blood.
To learn more about the drug’s uses, see the “Cabenuva for HIV” section below.
Limitations of use
If you’ve tried other medications to treat your HIV (such as cabotegravir or rilpivirine) but they weren’t safe or effective, you shouldn’t use Cabenuva. Talk with your doctor to learn more.
Drug details
Cabenuva comes as an extended-release liquid suspension that’s given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional.
Cabenuva contains two active drug ingredients: cabotegravir and rilpivirine. These ingredients are given as two separate injections that you’ll receive once per month or once every 2 months. This medication comes in two strengths: 400 milligrams (mg) of cabotegravir/600 mg of rilpivirine and 600 mg of cabotegravir/900 mg of rilpivirine.
Cabotegravir belongs to a group of medications called integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Rilpivirine belongs to a group of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
FDA approval
Cabenuva was first
At the same time it approved Cabenuva for use in adults, the FDA also approved
In March 2022, the FDA approved Cabenuva to treat HIV in children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 35 kilograms (about 77 pounds).
Effectiveness
For information about the effectiveness of Cabenuva, see the “Cabenuva for HIV” section below.
As with all medications, the cost of Cabenuva can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and your location.
Before approving coverage for Cabenuva, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.
If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Cabenuva, contact your insurance company.
Financial and insurance assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Cabenuva, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
A program called ViiV Connect is available for Cabenuva. Through this program, you can find information about copay assistance, insurance coverage, and more. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-588-3288 or visit the manufacturer’s website.
Generic version
Cabenuva is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
Cabenuva can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Cabenuva. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of Cabenuva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Cabenuva, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects* of Cabenuva can include:
- injection site reactions†
- fever
- fatigue (lack of energy)
- headache
- muscle pain
- nausea
- dizziness
- rash
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Cabenuva. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Cabenuva’s prescribing information.
† To learn more about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Cabenuva aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- allergic reaction
- liver problems
- depression, mood changes, or both
- post-injection reactions
For more information about each of these side effects, see “Side effect details” below.
Side effect details
Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.
Injection site reactions
After a Cabenuva injection, some people may experience an injection site reaction. These reactions can be mild or serious, so it’s important to know the symptoms to watch for after your injection.
Injection site reactions occur in the area where the medication was injected, which is usually in the buttocks. If you develop an injection-site reaction, you may experience symptoms at the site of injection such as:
- pain or discomfort
- lumps under the skin
- swelling
- redness or discoloration
- itchiness
- bruising
- warmth
Let your doctor know if you experience any injection site reactions. They may be able to recommend ways to help relieve these reactions, such as icing the injection area after your appointment.
Post-injection reactions
It’s also possible to develop a post-injection reaction. Most post-injection reactions should go away within a few minutes of the injection, but in some cases these reactions may be more serious. Symptoms of a post-injection reaction may include:
- trouble breathing, which can cause wheezing and coughing
- stomach cramps
- a rash or hives, which can be serious (see below)
- flushing
- sweating
- numbness in your mouth
- feeling dizzy
- changes in your blood pressure
- pain, such as back or chest pain
Cabenuva injections are received at your doctor’s office. You’ll be monitored for about 10 minutes after your injection. If you experience any serious post-injection reactions, such as trouble breathing, tell your doctor right away. They can help treat your symptoms as soon as possible.
If you develop a rash after receiving a Cabenuva injection, call your doctor right away. A rash may be a sign of a more serious allergic reaction. See the “Allergic reaction” section below for more details.
Depression, mood changes, or both
Using Cabenuva may cause depression, mood changes, or both in some people. This can include having mood swings, or having negative thoughts. In some serious cases, people taking Cabenuva have reported having suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
It’s important to tell your doctor right away if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or mood changes, including:
- feeling sad or hopeless
- anxiety
- thoughts of harming yourself
Your doctor can help determine if Cabenuva may be the cause of your depression or mood changes. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment for your HIV. In other cases, they may monitor your mood more closely to watch for any changes.
If you have a history of depression or mood disorders, tell your doctor before you start using Cabenuva. They’ll likely monitor your mood more closely during your treatment.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Liver problems
It’s possible to develop liver problems during treatment with Cabenuva. Throughout your treatment, your doctor will check your liver through blood tests. If they notice any changes, they may recommend a different medication to treat your HIV.
If you have a history of liver problems or hepatitis, be sure to tell your doctor before you start using Cabenuva. They’ll likely recommend a different treatment option for you.
Symptoms of liver problems may include:
- abdominal (belly) pain
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of your eyes)
- dark urine
If you notice any symptoms of liver problems during your Cabenuva treatment, call your doctor right away. They can help determine what’s causing the symptoms and either treat your condition or have you switch medications.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Cabenuva. Allergic reaction wasn’t reported during clinical trials of Cabenuva. However, it has been reported since the drug was approved by the FDA.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- rash
- itchiness
- flushing
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- trouble breathing
If you develop a rash after your dose of Cabenuva, tell a doctor right away. A rash may be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. Also be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any additional symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters, or swelling. These may also be signs of serious allergic reactions. In this case, tell your doctor right away. They will likely have you stop treatment with Cabenuva and try a different medication to treat your HIV.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Cabenuva, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Cabenuva is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Cabenuva to treat certain conditions. Cabenuva may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.
Cabenuva is FDA-approved to treat HIV in certain adults and children who are ages 12 years and older and weigh at least 35 kilograms (77 pounds). Specifically, Cabenuva is only prescribed after your HIV has been effectively treated with other medications, and you have a low or undetectable level of HIV in your blood.
Your doctor will test your blood to see if you can use Cabenuva. If you have fewer than 50 copies of HIV in one milliliter of blood, Cabenuva may be an option for you.
If you’ve tried other medications to treat your HIV (such as cabotegravir or rilpivirine) but they weren’t safe or effective, your doctor won’t prescribe Cabenuva.
About HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system. This causes your body to have less protection from illness or other diseases. With HIV, you have a higher risk for other infections or conditions (such as cancer) that your body may have otherwise been able to fight off.
Although there is no cure for HIV at this time, it’s important to take medications to help prevent it from getting worse or from transmitting it to others. If HIV goes untreated, it can turn into AIDS, which is a more severe immune system condition.
To learn more about HIV, visit the Medical News Today HIV/AIDS hub.
Effectiveness for HIV
Cabenuva is an effective treatment option for certain people with HIV. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends Cabenuva as a treatment option for certain people who need to replace their current HIV treatment. Learn more about the recommendations from the HHS.
For more information on how Cabenuva performed in clinical trials, see its prescribing information.
Cabenuva and children
Cabenuva is approved for use in children with HIV who:
- are ages 12 years and older, and
- weigh at least 35 kilograms (at least about 77 pounds)
Cabenuva is a complete treatment regimen for HIV. This means it’s not taken with other HIV treatments. But your doctor might prescribe two drugs before you start your Cabenuva treatment.
Cabenuva injections contain two active ingredients: extended-release* forms of cabotegravir and rilpivirine. Your doctor might prescribe immediate-release* oral forms of cabotegravir (Vocabria) and rilpivirine (Edurant) for you to take before you get your first Cabenuva injection. If prescribed, you’ll take these two drugs by mouth once per day for at least 28 days before your first Cabenuva injection.
Your doctor might prescribe these drugs to make sure that you don’t have any reactions to the medication.
On the last day that you take Vocabria and Edurant, you‘ll get your first injection of Cabenuva.
* Extended release means the drug is released gradually over a certain period of time. Immediate release means the drug is released right away after you take it.
Cabenuva is an injectable drug that’s used in certain adults and children with HIV.
Cabenuva is administered as two injections into your buttock muscle either every month or every 2 months. One injection contains the drug cabotegravir and the other contains the drug rilpivirine. The two injections can be given at the same doctor’s appointment.
You may receive one injection on each side of your buttock muscle, or in some cases, both injections can be given on the same side.
When it’s given
If your doctor prescribed cabotegravir (Vocabria) and rilpivirine (Edurant) oral tablets, you’ll get your first injection of Cabenuva on the last day that you take the tablets. (See the “Cabenuva use with other drugs” section above to learn more.) Then you’ll receive Cabenuva injections once per month or every 2 months.
You can get your injections within a 7-day time frame of when they’re due. That means you can get your dose of Cabenuva anytime 7 days before or 7 days after when you’re due for your injection, and the medication will still be effective.
Cabenuva works to decrease the amount of HIV in your blood, so it’s important to get your injections as prescribed. (This is typically monthly for your first two injections and then once every 2 months.) Missing an appointment can cause the HIV levels in your blood to become very high. This can cause your HIV to get worse or may allow it to be transmitted to others.
To help make sure you don’t miss an injection appointment, try setting a reminder on your phone.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, you could set a reminder or download a reminder app on your phone.
Taking Cabenuva with food
The manufacturer of Cabenuva hasn’t given specific recommendations about whether you should eat before receiving a Cabenuva injection. If you have questions about whether you should eat before an injection appointment, talk with your doctor.
The typical Cabenuva dosage your doctor will prescribe is two injections received at the same time.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Drug forms and strengths
Cabenuva comes as an extended-release suspension that’s given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. It comes in a dosing kit that contains one dose of cabotegravir and one dose of rilpivirine. The drug comes in two strengths:
- 400 milligrams (mg) of cabotegravir/600 mg of rilpivirine
- 600 mg of cabotegravir/900 mg of rilpivirine
Cabenuva injections are extended release. This means they’re released over a certain period of time instead of being released into the body all at once.
Dosage for HIV
Cabenuva is given as two injections into the buttock muscles, either once per month or once every 2 months* as follows:
- Monthly injections: Your first dose will be a higher dose of medication. You’ll receive one injection containing 600 mg of cabotegravir and a second injection with 900 mg of rilpivirine. Then after your first dose, you’ll usually get one injection containing 400 mg of cabotegravir and a second injection with 600 mg of rilpivirine per month.
- Injections every 2 months: If you receive Cabenuva injections every other month, you’ll receive your first two doses 1 month apart. After this, you’ll receive your doses every 2 months. Each dose will consist of 600 mg of cabotegravir and a second injection with 900 mg of rilpivirine.
Cabenuva may be given as one injection on each side of your buttock muscle, or in some cases, it can be given on the same side. You will get both injections at the same appointment.
Before you start your Cabenuva treatment, you might take Cabenuva’s active drugs as oral tablets for 1 month. See the “Cabenuva use with other drugs” section above to learn more.
* If you’re switching from monthly injections to injections every 2 months, 1 month after your last monthly dose, you’ll receive a dose of 600 mg cabotegravir/900 mg rilpivirine. And then 2 months later you’ll continue with this higher dose every 2 months. Your doctor will schedule any dosage changes as needed.
Children’s dosage
Cabenuva’s recommended dosages for children are the same as those for adults, described just above.
What if I miss a dose?
Cabenuva works to decrease the amount of HIV in your blood, so it’s important to get your injections each month. Missing an appointment can cause the HIV levels in your blood to become very high. This can cause your HIV to get worse or may allow it to be transmitted to others.
You can get your injections within a 7-day time frame of when they’re due. That means you can get your dose of Cabenuva anytime 7 days before or 7 days after when you’re due for your injection, and the medication will still be effective.
If you need to reschedule your appointment for more than 7 days after your recommended due date, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you switch back to the tablet forms of the medications cabotegravir (Vocabria) and rilpivirine (Edurant) to replace Cabenuva for up to 2 months.
If you miss a dose, your doctor may discuss whether Cabenuva is still a good treatment option for you. If you’ve missed your dose of Cabenuva for 2 months or less, your doctor will likely recommend making an appointment to get your dose as soon as possible.
If you’ve missed more than two doses in a row, your doctor will likely give you the initial dose of 600 mg of cabotegravir and 900 mg of rilpivirine. Then you’ll likely continue treatment with the dosage your doctor has prescribed.
To help make sure you don’t miss an injection appointment, try setting a reminder on your phone.
Will I need to use this drug long term?
Cabenuva is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Cabenuva is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
There are no known interactions between Cabenuva and alcohol.
But Cabenuva and alcohol may both cause liver problems. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink during your Cabenuva treatment.
Cabenuva can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements. The drug is not known to interact with any foods.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.
Cabenuva and other medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Cabenuva. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Cabenuva.
Before using Cabenuva, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Other HIV medications. You shouldn’t use any other HIV medications during your Cabenuva treatment. Cabenuva is considered a complete treatment, which means it can be used alone. Before using Cabenuva, talk with your doctor about how to stop your other HIV treatments before starting Cabenuva. Examples of other HIV medications include:
- bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (Biktarvy)
- dolutegravir/lamivudine/abacavir (Triumeq)
- efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Atripla)
- rilpivirine/emtricitabine tenofovir alafenamide (Odefsey)
- darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide
Drugs that affect your heart rhythm. Taking Cabenuva with drugs that may affect your heart rhythm can cause an irregular heart rhythm, such as long QT syndrome. In some cases, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects during your Cabenuva treatment. In other cases, they may recommend a different medication that doesn’t interact with Cabenuva.
- azithromycin (Zithromax)
- clarithromycin
- erythromycin (Eryc)
- ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- fluconazole (Diflucan)
- haloperidol (Haldol)
- methadone
Anticonvulsants. You should not use Cabenuva if you’re taking certain anticonvulsant medications (a type of seizure medication). Examples of anticonvulsants include:
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
Antibiotics. Certain antibiotics may interact with Cabenuva.
Examples of antibiotics that should not be taken with Cabenuva include:
- rifampin (Rimactane, Rifadin)
- rifapentine (Priftin)
- rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Examples of other antibiotics that can interact with Cabenuva include:
- azithromycin (Zithromax)
- clarithromycin
- erythromycin (Eryc)
Dexamethasone. You shouldn’t take more than one dose of dexamethasone during your Cabenuva treatment. If you need to take dexamethasone, tell your doctor that you’re using Cabenuva. If you need more than one dose, they may recommend a different steroid medication for you.
Methadone. If you’re taking methadone, tell your doctor before you start your Cabenuva treatment. In some cases, your doctor may need to change your methadone dosage while you’re using Cabenuva.
Cabenuva and herbs and supplements
During your Cabenuva treatment, you shouldn’t use St. John’s wort. This herb decreases the amount of rilpivirine in your body. Rilpivirine is one of the drugs in Cabenuva. So using Cabenuva with St. John’s wort may make Cabenuva less effective. Your doctor will likely recommend that you stop using St. John’s wort when you start your Cabenuva treatment.
Cabenuva and foods
There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Cabenuva. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Cabenuva, talk with your doctor.
Cabenuva is a prescription drug that’s used to treat HIV in certain adults and children.
About HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system. This causes your body to have less protection from illness or other diseases. With HIV, you have a higher risk for other infections or conditions (such as cancer) that your body may have otherwise been able to fight off.
Although there is no cure for HIV at this time, it’s important to take medications to help prevent it from getting worse. If HIV goes untreated, it can turn into AIDS, which is a more severe immune system condition.
To learn more about HIV, visit the Medical News Today HIV/AIDS hub.
What Cabenuva does
Cabenuva contains two extended-release active drugs: cabotegravir and rilpivirine. Cabotegravir belongs to a group of medications called integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Rilpivirine belongs to a group of drugs called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Extended release means that these drugs are released over a certain period of time instead of being released into the body all at once.
Cabotegravir and rilpivirine work differently to attack HIV and help prevent the virus from getting worse. Both of these drugs block the HIV virus from replicating in your body, which decreases the symptoms you experience from HIV.
How long does it take to work?
Cabenuva is a long-acting medication, so it may take some time to begin working. But it’s unlikely that you’ll notice the drug working in your body.
The medication will start working a few days after your injection. It will continue to keep the levels of HIV in your blood low or undetectable.
It’s not known if Cabenuva is safe to take while pregnant. At this time, there isn’t enough data on the safety of Cabenuva during pregnancy.
Cabenuva contains the active drugs cabotegravir and rilpivirine. A medication similar to cabotegravir, called dolutegravir, may be associated with a risk of developmental issues for a fetus when used during pregnancy.
Animal studies showed that cabotegravir may increase the risk of stillbirths or neonatal death (death occurring in the first 4 weeks of life). No effects on a fetus were reported in animal studies of rilpivirine. It’s important to note that animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
Cabenuva can remain in your body for 12 months or longer after your dose. So if you’re planning to become pregnant in the next year, talk with your doctor about the best plan for your HIV treatment.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using Cabenuva. They may monitor you more often throughout your pregnancy, or they may recommend a different treatment option for you.
If you do use Cabenuva during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. This registry gathers information about the use of certain HIV drugs during pregnancy. Your doctor can enroll you in the pregnancy registry by calling 800-258-4263 or by visiting the registry website.
It’s not known if Cabenuva is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Cabenuva.
For more information about taking Cabenuva during pregnancy, see the “Cabenuva and pregnancy” section above.
It’s unknown whether it’s safe to breastfeed while using Cabenuva. No animal or human studies have looked at whether this drug passes into breast milk or if it would have any effect on a child who is breastfed.
But the
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cabenuva.
Why might I need to take HIV medications by mouth before starting and after stopping Cabenuva?
Cabenuva injections contain two drugs: cabotegravir and rilpivirine. Before you get your first Cabenuva injection, your doctor might prescribe these two drugs for you to take by mouth once per day. This is done for at least 28 days before your first Cabenuva injection.
Taking these drugs by mouth before getting Cabenuva injections helps make sure you don’t have any reactions to the medications. This is important, as Cabenuva can stay in your body for up to 12 months.
But even though Cabenuva can remain in your body for up to 12 months, the amount of medication decreases over time. So if you stop taking Cabenuva, you should start taking another HIV medication by mouth after 1 month. This is so your HIV is still being treated correctly.
If you miss an appointment to receive a Cabenuva injection, your doctor may recommend that you take cabotegravir (Vocabria) and rilpivirine (Edurant) by mouth. You can substitute injections with Vocabria and Edurant for up to 2 months.
If you’re switching medications, your doctor may recommend that you begin a different treatment 1 month after your last dose of Cabenuva. If Cabenuva stops working for you, your doctor may recommend that you begin using other medications as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about other drugs you’ll take before or after Cabenuva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Will I need to have lab tests or other monitoring done during my Cabenuva treatment?
Yes, your doctor will monitor you throughout your Cabenuva treatment. First, your doctor will monitor the level of HIV in your blood to see how well the medication is working for you.
Because Cabenuva can cause liver problems, your doctor will monitor you for symptoms of liver problems and will check your liver function through blood tests.
During your treatment, your doctor will also monitor you for other side effects of the drug, such as depression or changes in mood.
After each injection, you’ll also be monitored for about 10 minutes to make sure you don’t experience any post-injection reactions. For more information about side effects that Cabenuva may cause, see the “Cabenuva side effects” section above.
Should I take other HIV medications while I’m using Cabenuva?
No, you should not take other HIV medications while you’re using Cabenuva, unless directed by your doctor. Cabenuva is considered a complete treatment, which means it works to treat your HIV alone. So you don’t need to take any other HIV medications along with Cabenuva.
If Cabenuva isn’t working for you, your doctor may switch you to another medication for your HIV. If you have any questions about your HIV treatment plan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using Cabenuva, talk with your doctor about your health history. Cabenuva may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:
- Liver problems. Cabenuva may cause liver problems. If you have a history of liver problems, such as hepatitis, be sure to tell your doctor before starting Cabenuva. Using Cabenuva can make your liver problems worse. Your doctor may monitor your liver function more closely during your Cabenuva treatment, or they may recommend a different treatment for your HIV.
- Depression or mood problems. Cabenuva can cause depression or changes in your mood. If you have a history of depression or other mental health conditions, Cabenuva may make your condition worse. Before starting Cabenuva, talk with your doctor about any mental health concerns you have. Your doctor may monitor your mental health more closely during your Cabenuva treatment, or they may recommend a different treatment option for you.
- Allergic reaction. If you’ve had a rash or an allergic reaction to Cabenuva or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Cabenuva. Ask your doctor which other medications may be better options for you.
- Pregnancy. It’s not known if Cabenuva is safe to use during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Cabenuva and pregnancy” section above.
- Breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed if you have HIV. For more information, see the “Cabenuva and breastfeeding” section above.
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Cabenuva, see the “Cabenuva side effects” section above.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.