Key takeaways

  • Cabenuva is administered as two separate injections into the gluteal muscle by a healthcare professional to treat HIV in adults and in children 12 years and older who weigh at least 77 pounds.
  • The drug comes in two strengths, and the dosage schedule can be either once per month or once every 2 months.
  • Consistent adherence to the Cabenuva dosing schedule is crucial for maintaining low HIV levels and preventing treatment complications. Missed doses should be discussed immediately with your doctor.

Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine) is a prescription drug used to treat HIV in adults and certain children. The drug is given as two injections into a muscle, typically once per month or once every 2 months.

The active ingredient in Cabenuva is a combination of the drugs cabotegravir and rilpivirine. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.) Cabenuva belongs to a group of drugs called antiretrovirals.

This article describes the dosages of Cabenuva, as well as its strengths and how it’s given. To learn more about this drug, including its uses and side effects, see this Cabenuva overview article.

The following information describes Cabenuva dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those described here.

Cabenuva’s form

Cabenuva comes as an extended-release suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that’s injected into your gluteal (butt) muscle by your doctor or another healthcare professional. “Extended release” means the active ingredients are slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Cabenuva’s strengths

Cabenuva is available in the following strengths:

  • 400 milligrams (mg) cabotegravir/600 mg rilpivirine
  • 600 mg cabotegravir/900 mg rilpivirine

The typical Cabenuva dosage used to treat HIV in adults depends on your dosing schedule and other factors.

Before you start Cabenuva treatment, your doctor may first prescribe cabotegravir (Vocabria) and rilpivirine (Edurant) oral tablets for you. You’ll take these tablets once per day with food for at least 28 days.

Cabotegravir and rilpivirine are the active ingredients in Cabenuva. So, taking the tablet form first helps your doctor see how your body responds to these medications before you begin receiving Cabenuva injections.

Once you’re ready to begin Cabenuva treatment, you’ll either receive Cabenuva injections once per month or once every 2 months. You and your doctor will discuss which dosing schedule is best for you.

If receiving one dose per month: You’ll start treatment by receiving a one-time dose containing 600 mg of cabotegravir and 900 mg of rilpivirine. After that, you’ll receive injections containing 400 mg of cabotegravir and 600 mg of rilpivirine starting in month 2 of treatment and every month after that.

If receiving one dose every 2 months: You’ll start treatment by receiving two doses containing 600 mg of cabotegravir and 900 mg of rilpivirine. These doses will be given 1 month apart. Then, you’ll receive injections containing that same dose starting in month 4 of treatment and every 2 months after that.

If your doctor determines your dosing schedule should change (from one dose per month to one dose every 2 months or vice versa), they’ll discuss this change with you.

Is Cabenuva used long term?

Yes, Cabenuva is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for you, you’ll receive Cabenuva injections long term.

Cabenuva is also approved to treat HIV in children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 35 kilograms (about 77 pounds).

The dosage used in children is the same as the dosage for adults.

If you have questions about Cabenuva’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor.

You’ll receive Cabenuva as two injections into your gluteal (butt) muscle at your doctor’s office or a clinic. Each injection is given into a different area of your gluteal muscle.

If you have questions about receiving Cabenuva injections, talk with your doctor.

If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Cabenuva injection, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. Also, let them know whether you won’t be able to make a future appointment. Typically, you can receive a Cabenuva injection within 7 days before or after you’re due for that dose.

It’s important to stay on track with your Cabenuva dosing schedule to help keep HIV levels low or undetectable. Missing doses can make it harder to treat HIV. If you have difficulty keeping appointments for your Cabenuva injections, your doctor may recommend changes to your treatment plan.

If you need help remembering your appointments to receive Cabenuva, try downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.