Apretude® (cabotegravir) long-acting injectable suspension for HIV-1 PrEP

What Apretude® Is and How It Works

Apretude® is a long-acting cabotegravir injectable suspension used for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). It helps reduce the risk of sexually acquiring HIV-1 in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg. Injections are given intramuscularly by a healthcare professional. Many patients search for Apretude Injectable Suspension without insurance and ways to manage out-of-pocket costs. At YouDrugstore, a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba, prescriptions are reviewed by pharmacists before dispensing, and you can order online with friendly chat support during posted hours.

Cabotegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). It blocks the HIV integrase enzyme and prevents the virus from inserting its genetic material into human cells. Apretude® is supplied as an extended-release injectable suspension. After an optional oral lead-in, injections are given one month apart for the first two doses, then every two months. We also partner with vetted, licensed international pharmacies so you can access authentic brands with a broad selection at competitive pricing.

YouDrugstore offers brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices and carries OTC health products. Our team can answer general medication questions, and our pharmacists ensure prescriptions are appropriate before we ship.

Dosage and Usage

Apretude® must be administered by a healthcare professional as a gluteal intramuscular injection. It is not for self-injection. HIV-1 testing is required before starting and before each injection. Providers should confirm patients are HIV-1 negative and assess risk factors and adherence to follow-up.

• Initiation: Some clinicians start with a 30-day oral cabotegravir lead-in to check tolerability. The lead-in is optional.
• Injection schedule: First injection (600 mg/3 mL), a second injection one month later, then injections every two months.
• Missed doses: There is a dosing window around the target date. If a visit is significantly delayed, clinicians may use oral cabotegravir to bridge or reinitiate with two injections one month apart. Patients should contact the prescriber for instructions.
• Drug interactions: Strong enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) can lower cabotegravir levels and reduce protection. Providers typically avoid coadministration.

• Storage at home: Keep Apretude® in the original carton at 2–25°C (36–77°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• Travel to clinic: Bring the sealed carton as directed by the clinic. Avoid heat and direct sun. Do not shake or open.
• Disposal: The clinic handles preparation and disposal. Do not attempt to inject.

Benefits and Savings

Apretude® offers long-acting PrEP with an injection every two months after the second dose. It removes the need for daily pills and may improve adherence for some people. In clinical trials, long-acting cabotegravir significantly reduced HIV-1 acquisition versus daily oral PrEP in select populations. Many patients appreciate the discreet dosing schedule and consistent blood levels over time. For those paying without insurance, buying from a licensed Canadian pharmacy can lower the monthly cost.

YouDrugstore makes ordering simple and secure. You can upload a prescription, track your order, and reorder when due. Typical savings run 60–80% versus common US pharmacy prices. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions may reduce the per-month cost. Our team can set gentle reorder reminders so you stay on schedule.

Side Effects and Safety

Most people tolerate Apretude® well. Injection-site reactions are common and usually mild to moderate. Speak with a clinician if reactions are severe or persistent.

• Common: Injection-site pain, redness, swelling, induration, warmth. Headache, fatigue, fever, muscle or joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, sleep changes, or rash.
• Less common but important: Depressive symptoms, anxiety, mood changes, or liver enzyme elevations.
• Serious: Hypersensitivity reactions with fever, rash, and organ involvement; severe hepatic events; post-injection reactions. Seek urgent care if symptoms suggest a severe reaction.
• Key safety step: Confirm HIV-1 negative status before starting and before each injection. If HIV infection occurs during PrEP, resistance to INSTIs can develop, and prompt HIV treatment evaluation is needed.

This is not a complete list. Discuss medical history, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and all medicines, vitamins, or herbals with a clinician. Cabotegravir is primarily metabolized by UGT1A1; strong inducers can lower drug levels. Assess suitability in hepatic impairment.

Onset Time

Cabotegravir levels increase after the first injection and stabilize over time. Many clinicians consider full preventive effect after the second injection at one month, when sustained concentrations are achieved. Continue safer sex practices and regular HIV testing as advised by your provider.

Compare With Alternatives

Oral PrEP options include tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (not approved for receptive vaginal sex). Oral PrEP may suit those who prefer daily pills or cannot attend injection visits. Long-acting Apretude® helps those who prefer bi-monthly clinic dosing and want to avoid daily medication.

If a person is diagnosed with HIV-1, PrEP is stopped and treatment begins. Common treatment options include integrase-based or boosted regimens. For example, some patients initiate therapy with Isentress® as part of a combination, or once-daily combinations like Odefsey® when clinically appropriate. Selection depends on resistance tests, comorbidities, and drug interactions.

Discuss the best option with a prescriber who can tailor therapy to risks, preferences, and lab results.

Combination Therapy

Apretude® is used alone for PrEP and is not combined with other cabotegravir-containing products. It does not replace condoms or regular screening. Many clinicians pair PrEP with routine STI testing and supportive services. Keep vaccination status up to date and review other prevention steps based on personal risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Apretude® may suit adults and adolescents at ongoing risk of HIV-1 through sexual exposure who can attend clinic visits for injections. It may help when daily oral adherence is difficult or when a discreet option is preferred. People with a history of severe hypersensitivity to cabotegravir should not receive Apretude®.

Cost tips: Compare Canadian prices, consider multi-month supplies, and set reminders ahead of injection visits. See current promotions and bulk options on our Apretude Injectable Suspension coupon page. For broader context on HIV conditions, you can review our Hiv and Hiv 1 Infection pages. For education on testing, see our article National Hiv Testing Day 2025 Get Tested Know Your Status. To learn about interaction risks in general, read Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar. If you are uninsured, compare Apretude costs across pharmacies and ask your clinic about assistance resources.

Authoritative Sources

Review official prescribing and safety information here:

• ViiV Healthcare Apretude US Prescribing Information and HCP resources
• FDA-approved Prescribing Information for Apretude (cabotegravir)
• Health Canada Drug Product Database listing for cabotegravir (Apretude)

You can order from YouDrugstore, a licensed Canadian pharmacy meeting Canadian standards, with prescriptions checked by licensed pharmacists. We ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping as needed, and our support team is ready to help during posted hours.

Disclaimer: This content is for general information. It does not replace advice from your own healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the official product information supplied with the medicine.