Apretude® Injectable Suspension for HIV‑1 PrEP

What Apretude® Is and How It Works

Apretude® (cabotegravir) is an extended-release intramuscular injection for HIV‑1 pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kg. Apretude Injectable Suspension lowers the risk of sexually acquired HIV‑1 when given on schedule by a healthcare professional. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. Many people compare the Apretude Injectable Suspension cost and seek options without insurance, and our site lists current pricing and supply details.

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Cabotegravir blocks HIV integrase, an enzyme the virus needs to insert its genetic material into human DNA. The injection forms a depot in the gluteal muscle and releases drug slowly over weeks. The approved regimen uses a 600 mg (3 mL) intramuscular dose, first at month 0, then at month 1, and then every 2 months thereafter. An optional 28‑day oral lead‑in with cabotegravir 30 mg once daily can be used to assess tolerability before the first injection.

Apretude is for prevention only. It is not for treatment of HIV infection. Confirm HIV‑1 negative status before starting and before each injection, including assessment for signs of acute infection.

For general testing information and awareness, see our article National Hiv Testing Day 2025 Get Tested Know Your Status.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation schedule: Optional oral lead‑in with cabotegravir 30 mg once daily for 28 days. Then give Apretude 600 mg (3 mL) intramuscularly into the gluteal muscle.
• Loading phase: After the first injection (month 0), give a second 600 mg injection 1 month later (month 1).
• Maintenance: Continue 600 mg intramuscular injections every 2 months thereafter. Keep within the allowed visit window per prescriber guidance.
• Administration: IM injection only, into ventrogluteal or dorsogluteal site by a healthcare professional. Do not inject subcutaneously or into the deltoid.
• Needle length: Use a needle length appropriate for body habitus to reach the muscle.
• Missed injection: If a visit is missed, clinicians may use oral cabotegravir 30 mg once daily for up to 2 months to bridge. If more than 7 days late without bridging, reassess HIV‑1 status with appropriate testing before resuming.
• Stopping Apretude: Drug can persist for 12 months or longer after the last injection. If ongoing risk exists, discuss alternative HIV prevention (for example, daily oral PrEP) during this period.

• Storage (clinic or when shipped to you): Keep vials refrigerated at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F). Do not freeze. Protect from light in the original carton.
• Before administration: Allow to reach room temperature. Once at room temperature, prepare and use within 6 hours.
• Handling: Shake per the manufacturer’s instructions to resuspend the medication before drawing up.
• Travel/transfer: Use insulated packaging and cold packs. Avoid freezing. Choose prompt, express, cold-chain shipping when arranging delivery.
• At home: If your provider asks you to bring the vial, keep it refrigerated and transport in a cooler to the appointment.

Benefits and Savings

Apretude offers a discreet, every‑2‑month PrEP option that removes the need for daily pills. In large randomized trials (HPTN 083 and 084), long‑acting cabotegravir was more effective than daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine in preventing HIV‑1 acquisition. Many people also value predictable clinic visits and no daily reminders.

Ordering from Canada can lower out‑of‑pocket costs. Typical savings range from 60–80% versus common US prices, including for those paying without insurance. Multi‑month supplies and bulk promotions can reduce the per‑month cost further.

To see current offers, visit our Apretude injectable coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Injection‑site reactions (pain, swelling, induration, nodules, warmth, pruritus)
• Headache, fatigue, dizziness
• Fever, chills
• Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort
• Myalgia, arthralgia
• Rash
• Sleep disturbances

Serious but less common events include hypersensitivity reactions, liver problems, depressive disorders, and post‑injection reactions. Because cabotegravir persists for months, acquiring HIV‑1 after stopping can select for resistant virus. Confirm HIV‑1 negative status before each dose and evaluate any symptoms of acute infection. Do not coadminister with strong enzyme inducers (for example, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifapentine), which can lower cabotegravir levels.

When combined with other antiretrovirals for treatment purposes, different dosing principles apply. Apretude is not indicated for HIV treatment. Hypoglycemia risk is not a concern with Apretude but can apply to diabetes therapies, not PrEP.

Onset Time

Protective cabotegravir levels are reached after the first injection, and the second injection at month 1 stabilizes maintenance concentrations. In clinical practice, many prescribers use an oral lead‑in to assess tolerability and maintain coverage before the first injection. Risk‑reduction practices are often emphasized during the early phase while the schedule is established.

Once on the every‑2‑month rhythm, protection is maintained by receiving injections on time. If the schedule is disrupted, oral cabotegravir can bridge gaps under a clinician’s direction.

Compare With Alternatives

Daily oral PrEP with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) or tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (TAF/FTC) remains a strong option. Oral PrEP suits those who prefer self‑administration, need flexibility, or cannot attend injection visits. In trials, long‑acting cabotegravir showed superior efficacy, but choice depends on access, adherence style, and medical factors.

Apretude is not for treating HIV infection. People with confirmed HIV‑1 require combination antiretroviral therapy. Regimens may include agents such as Isentress® (raltegravir) or fixed‑dose combinations like Triumeq® or Juluca®, selected by the prescriber based on resistance, comorbidities, and tolerance.

Combination Therapy

• Oral cabotegravir 30 mg daily may be used for 28 days before the first injection to assess tolerability.
• Oral cabotegravir can bridge if an injection visit is delayed, for up to 2 months as directed.
• Condoms and regular STI screening complement PrEP and help reduce other infections.
• Do not combine with other cabotegravir‑containing products for treatment indications.
• Avoid strong enzyme inducers that can reduce cabotegravir exposure.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults and adolescents (≥35 kg) at risk for sexually acquired HIV‑1 who prefer infrequent dosing and can attend clinic visits. HIV‑1 negative status must be confirmed before starting and prior to each injection. Apretude does not protect against other STIs. Continued prevention practices remain important.

Avoid use in those with known cabotegravir hypersensitivity. Use caution in patients with significant liver disease or a history of depression or suicidality; monitor as clinically indicated. Pregnancy and breastfeeding data are limited; discuss risks and benefits with the prescriber. Do not use with strong inducers of UGT1A1/UGT1A9 (for example, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifapentine).

Cost tips: choose multi‑month quantities when possible to lower per‑month expense, and set reorder reminders so you have doses on hand before each visit. Cash pay options exist for Apretude Injectable Suspension without insurance, and promotions may further reduce costs during select periods.

Authoritative Sources

ViiV Healthcare Apretude HCP site

Health Canada Product Monograph for Apretude (cabotegravir extended‑release)

US FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide

Order Apretude® from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.