Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine)

Product Name:

Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine)

Categories: Hepatology, Infectious Diseases

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Table of Contents

Cabenuva (cabotegravir + rilpivirine)

Product Category

Infectious Diseases / HIV Antiretroviral Therapy

Brand Name

Cabenuva

Generic Name or Biosimilar

No generic or biosimilar available

Active Ingredient

Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine

Prescription Status

Prescription-only; injectable therapy

Targeted Conditions

  • HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (≥12 years, ≥35 kg) who are virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no history of treatment failure and no known or suspected resistance to either cabotegravir or rilpivirine

Off-Label Usage

  • Potential investigation for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with cabotegravir alone (not in combination with rilpivirine)

(Off-label usage should only be undertaken in controlled clinical settings and is not formally approved by FDA, Health Canada, or COFEPRIS.)

Drug Classification Overview

Cabenuva is a complete long-acting injectable regimen for HIV-1 treatment.
It combines cabotegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), and rilpivirine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).
The intramuscular injections are administered once monthly or every two months, replacing daily oral ART in eligible patients.

Manufacturer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada

USA: ViiV Healthcare
Mexico: GlaxoSmithKline México / ViiV Healthcare Mexico
Canada: ViiV Healthcare / GlaxoSmithKline Canada

Available Strengths and Dosage Forms – United States, Mexico, and Canada

Country Comparison – United States vs Mexico and Canada

  • Same formulation and dosing schedule across countries
  • Administration restricted to certified clinics and providers
  • Cold chain storage and handling required

Average Retail Price (Monthly Treatment)

Canada: Patients may save approximately 25–40% vs U.S. retail
Mexico: Patients may save approximately 30–45% vs U.S. retail

Savings vary depending on certified clinic access, availability, and logistics.

Where to Buy USA

  • Available only through specialty pharmacies and certified HIV treatment centers

Access requires referral from an infectious disease specialist or HIV care provider.

Storage Requirements

  • Store refrigerated at 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F)
  • Do not freeze; protect from light
  • Cold chain handling required until administration

Key Benefits

  • Replaces daily oral HIV therapy with monthly or bimonthly injections
  • Convenient and discreet – improves adherence
  • Demonstrated efficacy in maintaining viral suppression
  • Well-tolerated with favorable safety profile
  • First complete long-acting injectable HIV regimen

Shipping from Canada

Cabenuva is distributed through licensed Canadian specialty pharmacies and treatment centers regulated by Health Canada. MedicalMex coordinates access and logistics with certified providers.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Prescription verification and fulfillment
  • Coordination with HIV specialists and certified clinics
  • Cold chain shipping and handling logistics
  • Insurance and payment navigation support
  • Concierge bilingual patient support

Buying from Mexico

In Mexico, Cabenuva is available only through certified HIV treatment centers under COFEPRIS regulation. MedicalMex partners with licensed hospitals and clinics for safe access.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Referral coordination with infectious disease specialists
  • Prescription and treatment plan compliance
  • Travel and accommodation support if required
  • Insurance assistance when applicable
  • Case management and follow-up support

Side Effects

  • Common: Injection site reactions; Fever; Fatigue; Headache; Nausea
  • Moderate: Insomnia; Dizziness; Abdominal pain; Rash
  • Serious: Hypersensitivity reactions; Hepatotoxicity; Depression/suicidality (rare)

Patients should be monitored after each injection for adverse reactions and overall treatment response.

Warnings and Precautions

  • Not indicated for patients with known resistance to cabotegravir or rilpivirine
  • Avoid use with strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine)
  • Monitor for hepatotoxicity and psychiatric symptoms
  • Not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly needed

Alternative Medications (by Indication)

Other long-acting ART under development: Lenacapavir (investigational)
Standard daily oral ART regimens: Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir (Biktarvy), Dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (Triumeq), Darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir (Symtuza)
Other NNRTI or INSTI-based combinations

Medication FAQs

Cabenuva is the first complete long-acting injectable regimen for HIV-1, combining cabotegravir and rilpivirine.

It is administered as intramuscular injections (in the buttocks) by a healthcare professional once monthly or every two months.

Adults and adolescents (≥12 years, ≥35 kg) with HIV-1 who are already virologically suppressed and stable on ART.

Yes. It replaces daily oral ART for eligible patients, but oral lead-in therapy may be required first.

Yes. MedicalMex coordinates safe access through licensed treatment centers in both countries.

The most common are injection site reactions, fever, fatigue, headache, and nausea. Rarely, depression or hepatotoxicity may occur.

Yes, but careful scheduling is required to align with injection appointments at certified centers.

Yes. Cabenuva can only be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider experienced in HIV management.

No. Stopping without transitioning to oral ART can cause viral rebound and resistance. Medical supervision is required.

Concierge services including prescription coordination, Telehealth consultations, logistics, cold chain handling, and bilingual patient support.