Is injectable PrEP with cabotegravir (Apretude®) suitable for everyone?

No, not necessarily. While it is an excellent option, the decision is always made with a healthcare professional.

Certain medical or personal situations mean that Apretude® may not be the right choice, or that it must be used with special precautions.

In which cases is Apretude® strictly contraindicated?

You should never take Apretude® in the following situations:

• If you are HIV-positive or if your status is unknown. Apretude® is a prevention tool, not an HIV treatment. A negative screening test is mandatory before starting.
• If you have a known allergy to cabotegravir or any of its other ingredients.
• If you are taking certain specific medications that interact with it (notably for epilepsy or tuberculosis).

Other important situations to discuss with your team

These points are not absolute contraindications, but they are essential to discuss to ensure your safety:

• Commitment to the schedule: Injectable PrEP requires in-clinic injections every 8 weeks. If this rhythm is difficult for you to maintain, oral PrEP might be a better option.
• Liver problems: Inform us if you have a history of liver issues (such as hepatitis B or C).
• If you have had gluteal filler injections (e.g., silicone). The Apretude® injection is administered into the gluteal muscle. The presence of fillers can interfere with the administration and absorption of the medication, and the safety of this practice has not been studied. This is a crucial point to discuss.

The key: an informed and shared decision

Our role is to help you choose the PrEP option that best suits your health, your daily life, and your preferences, with complete confidence.