HIV-positive people who took injectable cabotegravir + rilpivirine every four or eight weeks as antiretroviral therapy found it more convenient and discreet than daily pills, also feeling that it eliminated a “daily reminder of living with HIV”, Deanna Kerrigan and colleagues report. Similarly, HIV-negative men who took injectable cabotegravir every 12 weeks as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) felt that it was probably more convenient and easier to adhere to than daily pills, according to a study from the same research team.
Healthcare providers were also supportive, but did point out that the clinical management of long-acting injectable antiretrovirals (ARVs) is more complex. They noted that injectables will not necessarily eliminate the challenge of adherence, with regular attendance at clinic visits more crucial than ever. …..more