HIV treatment has come a long way in the past 30 years.
Long-acting injectables are an innovation in HIV treatment that’s making it easier for people living with HIV to conveniently manage HIV, stay healthy and prevent onward transmission of the virus.
Cabenuva — an injectable HIV treatment — is now available in Australia.
So, let’s talk about long-acting HIV treatments and how you can access them.
What is long-acting injectable HIV treatment?
Long-acting injectables are a medication that treats HIV for a longer period of time — up to two months in the case of Cabenuva. The Therapeutic Goods Association has approved Cabenuva as an HIV treatment in Australia. Cabenuva combines two drugs, Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine. This medication treats HIV for two months.
How do HIV injectables work?
The treatment consists of two injections into your butt muscles given at the same time (one for each cheek). These are injected by your doctor or a nurse.
The initial two injections are followed by another two injections one month later. After this, you will need to book appointments every 2 months.
Who can get injectable HIV treatment?
Cabenuva is for people living with HIV who already have an undetectable viral load. There are a couple of other criteria for accessing Cabenuva, including medication tolerance and interactions, not having Hepatitis B, and not currently being pregnant or chestfeeding. Check out ASHM’s Long-acting Injectable HIV Treatment Tool for more information about eligibility.
Where to get Cabenuva?
If you are interested in starting Cabenuva, discuss it with your doctor, who can walk you through the details. If you need a new, gay-friendly doctor who can prescribe HIV treatment, find one using our map here (apply the s100 HIV treatment filter). You will need to go to your doctor or a nurse regularly (every two months) to receive your injection.
How much does Cabenuva cost?
Cabenuva is available for Medicare recipients on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). Out-of-pocket costs for Cabenuva under the PBS are $31.60 per pack (two injections) or less with a Health Care Card. Affordable HIV treatment can also be available for people with and without Medicare.
What are the advantages of long-acting injectable HIV treatment?
The main advantage of long-acting treatment versus daily pills is the convenience of not having to take medication every day. It’s also great for travelling, as you won’t have to carry medication with you!
Since injectable HIV treatment needs to be administered by a doctor or nurse, it’s more discreet than taking oral medication. This can also be very helpful in situations where you don’t want family members or loved ones to find your medication which can help to reduce stigma.
Injections are also a good option for people who get nauseous from taking pills.
Long-acting HIV treatments were the most preferred method of administering treatment by gay and bi+ guys in Australia, according to UNSW’s PrEPared report 2023. Those who are already taking Cabenuva are very satisfied with the treatment, with less than five per cent switching back to oral therapy.
What are the disadvantages?
Since it’s administered by your doctor or a nurse, taking long-acting injectable HIV treatment will mean more appointments than you may be used to (at least 6 per year for Cabenuva).
There are also greater consequences if you miss a dose of long-acting injectables. You will need to stay on top of your appointments and pre-plan for long holidays or moving cities. There are some oral tablet options in case you can’t make your injection appointment in time, but that will require pre-planning.
There are a few side effects reported for Cabenuva, most of which are mild. The most common is pain at the site of injection for a few days afterwards (which can be reduced with paracetamol and cold packs). Other less frequent side effects (such as tiredness and nausea) can be discussed with your doctor if you have concerns.
Well, there you have it — everything you need to know about long-acting injectable HIV treatment and how to access Cabenuva in Australia. For more information on HIV treatment, visit our Knowledge Hub page.