APRETUDE – Long-Acting PrEP for Women, Men, Gay Men & Transgender People | PrEP Just Got Better!
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Discover Apretude, the long-acting injectable PrEP for women, men, gay men & transgender people — protection made simpler and better.
Discover Apretude, the long-acting injectable PrEP for women, men, gay men & transgender people — protection made simpler and better.
Injectable PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) has revolutionised HIV prevention by offering a long-acting alternative to daily oral medications.
Apretude (cabotegravir), approved by the FDA in the USA since 2021 and by Health Canada in May 2024, marks a significant advancement in this field.
Unlike daily oral PrEP, which requires consistent adherence, Apretude is administered every two months, making it an ideal choice for individuals who may struggle to adhere to a daily regimen. This injectable form streamlines the prevention process, enhancing efficacy and user satisfaction.
Apretude's availability represents a promising step forward in the global effort to reduce HIV transmission. By providing a more convenient and long-lasting option, it addresses a critical gap in HIV prevention strategies. The approval of Apretude in both the USA and Canada reflects the growing recognition of the need for diverse prevention tools to cater to different lifestyles and preferences.
As more people gain access to this innovative medication, the fight against HIV becomes more robust, offering hope for a future with significantly reduced rates of HIV transmission.
Book your consultation at PULSE Clinic today — stay protected and enjoy life with confidence.
Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:
What is Apretude?
Apretude Injectable PrEP – Long-Acting HIV Prevention Apretude is a long-acting injectable form of cabotegravir, specifically formulated to prevent HIV infection.
Unlike traditional oral PrEP medications, which require daily pills, Apretude is administered as an injection in the buttock every two months, offering a more convenient and effective alternative for individuals at risk of HIV. This innovative, long-acting approach reduces the burden of daily medication while maintaining consistent protection.
It is suitable for adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are at higher risk of contracting HIV-1. For optimal protection, Apretude should be used alongside safer sexual practices, such as consistent condom use, to reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections.
In short, APRETUDE (cabotegravir) is a long-acting injectable medication approved for HIV prevention. Unlike traditional oral PrEP, which requires daily doses, APRETUDE is administered once every two months, offering a more convenient and effective solution.
The Benefits of Apretude
- Improved Adherence: One of the advantages of Apretude is its dosing schedule. With only six injections per year (after the initial dosing), it is much easier for individuals to adhere to their HIV prevention regimen compared to the daily pill burden of traditional PrEP.
- Efficacy: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Apretude effectively prevents HIV infection. Studies show superior efficacy compared to daily oral PrEP, providing robust protection against the virus. This may be attributed to the reduced adherence requirements associated with Apretude.
- Convenience: For many people, remembering to take a daily pill can be challenging. Apretude's bimonthly injections offer a convenient alternative, making it easier for individuals to maintain consistent protection.
- Choice: Introducing an alternative to daily oral PrEP empowers patients by providing them with options and enhancing their autonomy in managing their HIV prevention regimen.
Efficacy of Apretude for all populations
Based on the research study
| Injectable PrEP Apretude Efficacy in Different Populations | |||||
| Route or Sex | Straight Men | Straight Women | Gay and Bisexual | TransWomen | TransMen |
| Oral Sex | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% |
| Anal Sex | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% |
| Vaginal Sex | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% | more than 99% |
SUPERIOR HIV PROTECTION VS TRUVADA
1. STUDY IN CISGENDER MEN AND TRANSGENDER WOMEN
Significantly more people stayed HIV-negative on APRETUDE vs TRUVADA during the study.
69% reduction in the risk of acquiring HIV-1 with APRETUDE (0.37/100 person-years) vs TRUVADA (1.22/100 person-years)
2. STUDY IN CISGENDER WOMEN
Significantly more women stayed HIV-negative on APRETUDE vs TRUVADA during the study.
90% reduction in the risk of acquiring HIV-1 with APRETUDE (0.15/100 person-years) vs TRUVADA (1.85/100 person-years)
Dosing schedule
Based on individual needs, doctors may begin treatment with daily 30 mg tablets of cabotegravir for a month before transitioning to the injectable form of Apretude to assess tolerance. Alternatively, the doctor may decide to start directly with the Apretude injection, bypassing the need for oral pills.
Initially, patients are given Apretude once every month for the first two months, after which it is administered bi-monthly. Please consult your physician today to discuss if Apretude is the right choice for you.
| How to use Apretude 1 | How to use Apretude 2 | |||
| Month 1 | 1 inj starter dose 1 | Month 1 | Daily starter pills (30 days) | |
| Month 2 | 1 inj starter dose 2 | Month 2 | 1 inj (day 30 or within 3 days) | |
| Month 3 | - | Month 3 | - | |
| Month 4 | 1 inj | Month 4 | 1 inj | |
| Month 5 | - | Month 5 | - | |
| Month 6 | 1 inj | Month 6 | 1 inj | |
| Month 7 | - | Month 7 | - | |
| Month 8 | 1 inj | Month 8 | 1 inj | |
| Month 9 | - | Month 9 | - | |
| Month 10 | 1 inj | Month 10 | 1 inj | |
| Month 11 | - | Month 11 | - | |
| Month 12 | 1 inj | Month 12 | 1 inj | |
How much does Apretude cost?
The price for Apretude, the new injectable PrEP, at 23500 THB/dose every 2 months.
Pre-Order Apretude At PULSE Clinic (Thailand)
Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:
Can I fly to Thailand to get Apretude as a foreigner?
Yes, definitely. PULSE Clinic has 11 branches in Thailand: 5 in Bangkok, 2 in Pattaya, 2 on Phuket Island, 1 on Samui Island, and 1 in Chiang Mai. You can enjoy your weekend or holiday — whether you want to relax or party.
PULSE Clinics are open daily and can prescribe PrEP to anyone with a prescription or lab test result from the last 3 months.
Side effects and disadvantages
Apretude, like any medication, can come with its share of side effects. Common ones include headaches, diarrhea, and hot flashes. Additionally, individuals may experience pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
One drawback of Apretude is its mode of administration. Unlike oral medications that can be taken at home, Apretude requires administration by a nurse or doctor.
Moreover, for individuals with needle phobia, the requirement for injection can be particularly daunting, potentially favouring the use of daily oral pills instead. It's essential to discuss these considerations with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable HIV prevention option for you.
Where to Get APRETUDE (Injectable PrEP)?
Looking to get APRETUDE (Injectable PrEP) in Thailand? PULSE Clinic offers 11 convenient branches across Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, and Chiang Mai.
Our expert team provides safe, professional, and personalised HIV prevention care, including eligibility assessment, injection administration, and ongoing follow-up. Protect your health effectively with APRETUDE while enjoying life in Thailand.
Book your consultation at PULSE Clinic today — stay protected and enjoy life with confidence.
Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:
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FAQs About Injectable PrEP (Apretude)
How long does injectable PrEP stay in the body?
After receiving an Apretude injection, the medication remains active in your system for several weeks. For continuous HIV protection, repeat doses are required every 2 months. This long-acting formula ensures consistent coverage without the need for daily pills, offering a more convenient prevention option.
Does injectable PrEP hurt?
Most people experience mild discomfort, redness, or swelling at the injection site — typically in the buttock area. These effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few days. Your healthcare provider can offer tips to ease any post-injection soreness.
What if I miss an injection appointment?
If you miss your scheduled injection, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- If it’s within 7 days of your planned date, you can usually continue with your next dose.
- If it’s been more than 7 days, your doctor may advise restarting the dosing schedule or using additional HIV prevention methods until protection resumes.
Do I still need condoms while on injectable PrEP?
Yes. While Apretude provides highly effective protection against HIV, it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or syphilis. Using condoms alongside PrEP helps ensure comprehensive sexual health protection.
Can people with chronic health conditions use injectable PrEP?
In most cases, yes — but a medical assessment is necessary. People with conditions affecting the kidneys or liver, or those taking multiple medications, should consult their healthcare provider before starting injectable PrEP. Your doctor will evaluate whether Apretude is the most suitable and safe option for you.
Sources:
- High Interest in Long-acting Injectable Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM): Result From A Nationwide Survey in Malaysia. Journal of Community Health (2023)
- Determinants of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation in Transgender Populations: A Qualitative Scoping Review (2022)
- Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Are Not on Oral PrEP may be Less Interested in Available Injectable Products than in Oral PrEP: Examining Individual-Level Determinants of Interest and Barriers Across Products (2022)
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