Health Canada Approves Apretude for HIV Prevention

On March ⁣5, 2025, Health Canada approved Apretude ⁤(cabotegravir), ⁢the first long-acting injectable medication for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)⁤ against HIV. This marks a significant advancement in HIV prevention efforts, offering a ‍new, highly effective option for individuals⁤ at ⁤risk.

Apretude contains ⁢cabotegravir, available in 3-mL⁣ vials containing 600 mg for injection. Clinical trials have ⁢demonstrated its⁣ effectiveness in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition.

The Effectiveness of Apretude as PrEP

Apretude has shown remarkable efficacy in preventing HIV. Studies indicate that PrEP, including Apretude, can lower the risk⁣ of getting HIV from sex by 99%. This‍ makes it a powerful tool in the fight against HIV transmission.

It is crucial to adhere to the injection schedule. ⁢missing injections can diminish its effectiveness. Apretude’s safety and efficacy have not been established in individuals younger than 12 years old⁤ or those weighing less ⁢than 35 kg (77 lbs).

Important Considerations While Using Apretude

While Apretude ⁤is highly effective against HIV, it’s ⁢important to remember that:

• Apretude does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections ⁣(STIs).
• Safer⁣ sex practices, such as using condoms, are still necessary to reduce the risk of STIs.
• Maintaining⁤ an HIV-negative ⁢status is‍ essential while receiving Apretude for HIV-1 PrEP.
• Regular HIV testing and awareness of ‍partners’ HIV status are crucial.

According to ⁣apretude.com, “You must stay HIV-1 negative to⁤ keep receiving APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP.Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1⁢ status of your partners.”

Side Effects of⁤ Apretude

Like all medications, Apretude can cause side effects. Common ⁢side effects include:

• headache
• Diarrhea
• Feeling‍ hot

These side effects are generally mild to moderate, temporary, and resolve without treatment.

Quebec First Province ⁤to ‍Publicly Reimburse Apretude

On⁣ March 5, 2025, Quebec became the first province⁣ to publicly reimburse APRETUDE (cabotegravir tablets and extended ⁢release injectable⁣ suspension) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired ⁢HIV-1 infection in⁤ at-risk individuals who are HIV-1 negative.

This decision by the Quebec government grants timely access to APRETUDE for‍ at-risk individuals who could‍ benefit from ⁤PrEP. APRETUDE is now listed under the Régie⁤ de L’assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Cases of HIV continue to rise across Canada, including in Quebec, where cases increased 37 per cent between 2019 and 2022. This decision ‍will have a meaningful impact‍ on HIV ⁣prevention efforts in the province.

Apretude: A Superior⁣ PrEP Option

APRETUDE is the first and only long-acting ⁢injectable approved in Canada to help reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in at-risk adults and adolescents aged 12 years and ⁣older,‍ and weighing at least 35kg.

Findings ‍from two real-world evidence studies (OPERA and Trio Health cohorts) showed more than 99 per cent effectiveness of APRETUDE for PrEP in nearly 1,300 individuals. APRETUDE for PrEP has demonstrated superior efficacy to⁤ daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir⁣ disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF tablets) in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition in ‍two clinical trials, providing more options for prep for Canadians.

Statements ⁣from Leaders

we applaud ⁢the Quebec government‍ for prioritizing ⁢access to new HIV prevention tools like APRETUDE, ⁣an critically important step in our⁣ collective effort to strengthen HIV prevention in Canada. We look forward to continuing to collaborate⁤ with other provinces and⁢ territories to ensure equitable access to APRETUDE for all Canadians who could benefit ⁣from PrEP.
Tharani Napper, Government⁢ Affairs & Market Access Director, ViiV Healthcare Canada

While the communities we reach continue to be⁣ over-represented in new HIV ⁤cases, Quebec’s decision to include a ⁤new option for PrEP on ⁣the⁤ list ⁢of drugs reimbursed by‍ the public plan is a step forward in HIV prevention in our province. At ‍RÉZO, we’ve been informing our communities⁣ about PrEP, how it effectively works and its effectiveness in preventing HIV‍ for nearly 15 years.⁢ Access to PrEP remains ⁤an issue in quebec and Canada. we believe ‍that the more ⁤options available‍ for PrEP, and⁤ the more financially accessible it is, the more we can increase its use and reduce new cases of HIV.
Alexandre Dumont Blais, Executive Director, RÉZO

Understanding HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system and is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex or through sharing injected drug equipment.

If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the⁢ most severe stage of HIV infection.While there ⁣is no cure, proper treatment and care allow people with HIV to maintain a high quality ⁤of life and avoid transmission.

In ‍2023, there were 2,434 ⁤new HIV diagnoses, a 35 per cent increase from ⁢the previous⁣ year.⁢ In 2022, an estimated 65,270 ⁤people were living with HIV in Canada, with 129 deaths attributed to HIV.

How Apretude⁣ Works

APRETUDE (cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension) is a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option proven superior to daily oral⁣ FTC/TDF in reducing HIV acquisition. Cabotegravir is an ⁣integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI).

INSTIs inhibit HIV⁣ replication by preventing the viral DNA ⁤from integrating into the⁤ genetic material of human immune cells⁤ (T-cells). This step is essential in the HIV replication cycle ⁤and‍ is responsible for establishing chronic ⁣disease.

Further Facts

For complete ‍safety information, consult the Product Monograph or ⁢call 1-877-393-8448.