Cabotegravir is an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). As a novel antiretroviral drug, it is used in combination with rilpivirine to provide an innovative treatment regimen for patients infected with HIV-1.

What Is the Therapeutic Efficacy of Cabotegravir?

Viral Suppression Efficacy

By binding to the active site of HIV integrase, cabotegravir blocks the viral DNA integration process and effectively inhibits HIV-1 replication.

Clinical studies have shown that this drug exhibits good antiviral activity against multiple HIV-1 subtypes.

When used in combination with rilpivirine, it can provide sustained therapeutic effects for patients who have achieved virological suppression.

Combined Medication Regimen

Cabotegravir must be used in combination with rilpivirine to form a complete antiretroviral treatment regimen.

This combination is not suitable for concurrent use with other anti-HIV drugs.

When used as an oral lead-in therapy, patients need to take it continuously for approximately 1 month to assess tolerance to cabotegravir and prepare for subsequent use of the long-acting injectable formulation.

Applicable Population of Cabotegravir

Characteristics of Target Patients

Cabotegravir is indicated for adult patients with HIV-1 infection who have achieved virological suppression.

These patients should be receiving stable antiretroviral treatment with no history of treatment failure.

They should have no known or suspected resistance to cabotegravir or rilpivirine.

Medication Monitoring for Cabotegravir

Pre-Treatment Assessment

Allergy history, especially reactions to other integrase inhibitors.

Baseline liver condition and results of liver function tests.

Mental health status and history of depressive symptoms.

Concomitant medication use to avoid potential drug interactions.

Key Monitoring Items During Treatment

Hypersensitivity reaction monitoring: If symptoms such as rash with fever, malaise, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, blisters, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, facial edema, or hepatitis occur, discontinue the drug immediately and seek medical attention.

Liver function monitoring: Conduct regular liver enzyme tests. Promptly manage hepatotoxicity symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in the right upper abdomen.

Mental status monitoring: Pay attention to mood changes and depressive symptoms; conduct professional evaluations if necessary.

Drug interaction monitoring: Pay special attention to interactions with antacids, anticonvulsants, and antimycobacterial drugs.

Medication Adherence Management

Cabotegravir should be taken at a fixed time daily; when taken together with rilpivirine, it should be administered with food.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible to avoid treatment interruption, which may lead to viral rebound and the development of drug resistance.

When used as an alternative to the injectable formulation, the oral course must be completed strictly as scheduled to ensure treatment continuity.