HIV therapy has progressed a long time in the last 30 years.
Injectable injectable effects are an innovation in HIV treatment that facilitates people living with HIV conveniently managing HIV, staying healthy and preventing virus transmission.
Cabenuva – an injectable treatment with HIV – is now available in Australia.
So let’s talk about long -acting HIV treatments and how you can access them.
What is long -acting HIV injectable treatment?
Long-act injectables are a drug that treats HIV for a longer period-up to two months in the case of Cabenuva. The Union of Therapeutic goods approved Cabenuva as a HIV treatment in Australia. Cabenuva combines two medicines, Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine. This drug treats HIV for two months.
How do HIV injectables work?
The treatment consists of two injections into the muscles of the limbs given simultaneously (one for each cheek). These are injected by your doctor or a nurse.
The initial two injections are followed by two other injections a month later. After that, you will need to make an appointment every 2 months.
Who can get injectable treatment with HIV?
Cabenuva is for people living with HIV who already have undetectable viral load. There are some other criteria for accessing Cabenuva, including drug tolerance and interactions that do not have hepatitis B, and is not currently pregnant or shielded. See Ashm’s Treatment tool with long -term HIV action For more information on eligibility.
Where to get Cabenuva?
If you are interested in starting Cabenuva, discuss it with your doctor, who can guide you in the details. If you need a new, gay friendly doctor who can prescribe HIV treatment, find one using our map here (apply the S100 HIV treatment filter). You will need to go to your doctor or nurse regularly (every two months) to receive your injection.
How much does Cabenuva cost?
Cabenuva is available for Medicare recipients on PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Plan). Out -of -pocket expenses for Cabenuva under the Pbs It is $ 31.60 per pack (two injections) or less with a healthcare card. Affordable treatment with HIV may also be available for people with and without Medicare.
What are the advantages of long -acting HIV injectable treatment?
The main advantage of long -acting treatment over daily pills is the ease of not having to take medication every day. It is also ideal for travel, as you will not need to carry medication with you!
Since HIV treatment should be administered by a doctor or nurse, it is more discreet than oral drug taking. This can also be very useful in situations where you do not want family members or loved ones find your medicines that can help reduce stigma.
Injections are also a good choice for people who get nausea from taking pills.
HIV -acting treatments were the most preferred method of gay treatment and bi+ children in Australia, according to Unsw’s Prepared report 2023. Those who already get the Cabenuva are very satisfied with treatmentwith less than five percent to return to oral treatment.
What are the disadvantages?
Since your doctor or nurse is administered, taking long -acting injectable treatment with HIV will mean more appointments than can be used (at least 6 per year for Cabenuva).
There are also greater consequences if you lose a dose of injectable injectable activity. You will need to stay at the top of your appointments and the pre-plan for long vacations or moving cities. There are some oral tablet options if you can’t make your appointment for infusion in time, but this will require pre-programming.
There are some side effects reported for Cabenuva, most of which are mild. The most common is injection pain for a few days after (which can be reduced with paracetamol and cold packages). Other less common side effects (such as fatigue and nausea) can be discussed with your doctor if you have concerns.
Well, there you have it all about what you need to know about long-acting HIV injectable treatment and how to access Cabenuva in Australia. For more information on HIV treatment, visit the Hub Hub page.
