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Vocabria Information

Vocabria (Cabotegravir Sodium) is a medicine used for both the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection, either as part of a complete antiretroviral regimen or as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to lower the risk of getting HIV. It is typically used along with another antiretroviral drug called rilpivirine in individuals whose HIV infection is under control and who have no history of treatment failure or resistance to cabotegravir. It is also used for short-term pre-exposure prevention of sexually acquired HIV infection. Human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that attacks the body's immune system by destroying key white blood cells called CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. Its active ingredient, cabotegravir sodium, is an antiretroviral medication that belongs to the class of integrase inhibitors. The virus must insert its own DNA into the host cell's DNA to replicate. Vocabria blocks an enzyme called integrase that the virus needs to complete this process. By inhibiting integrase, Vocabria prevents the virus from replicating, thereby reducing the amount of HIV in the blood and helping to protect the immune system. While it doesn't cure HIV, this mechanism helps keep the virus at a low, manageable level, which is a critical part of a person's overall treatment plan and can help them live a healthier life.

Vocabria Side Effects

Some mild side effects of this medicine include abnormal dreams, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, gas, a general feeling of being unwell, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, rash, sleepiness, stomach pain, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Fever, chill, rigor, cough, body rash, and other symptoms of immune system changes;
• Depression;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, darkened urine, light-coloured stools, nausea, and vomiting;
• Severe skin reactions, such as itchy skin rash and blisters

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Vocabria Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to cabotegravir, the inactive ingredients in Vocabria, or any other medicine. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Depression;
• Liver disease, including viral hepatitis

Do not drive or operate machines if you feel tired, sleepy, or dizzy after taking this medicine. Do not use this medicine during pregnancy. If you plan to have a baby, consult your doctor in advance to discuss your options and receive personalized guidance. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended in women with HIV as the infection can be passed to the baby through breast milk. This medicine is not for use in children younger than 12 years of age or those weighing less than 35 kg. This antiretroviral medication may interact with other drugs or substances, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, oxcarbazepine, and rifampin. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements, that you are taking before using Vocabria to prevent potential drug interactions. Vocabria is available in tablet form and should be taken as prescribed by your doctor or as instructed on the medication label. The generally recommended dose is one tablet (30 mg) taken orally with a meal, once daily. It is typically prescribed as an "oral lead-in" for about a month before you transition to a long-acting injectable form of Vocabria. It may also be prescribed to bridge gaps if a scheduled injection will be missed for more than a week. You need to take this medicine regularly as prescribed to maintain steady drug levels and prevent treatment failure or resistance. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Vocabria?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Vocabria.