Question
Is injectable ART available in the UK?
15 August 2022. Related: Access to treatment, Adherence, All topics, Changing treatment.
Hi there, I will be moving to UK in next couple of weeks and I am currently on Biktarvy.
I have been taking it since last year October and my CD4 count is around 500. I have undetectable viral load. I also have normal BMI.
My concern is about the non-adherence to the drug. I kept forgetting to take the med or even double dosed few times till now.
Would I be able to get the injectables once I register with HIV clinic in UK?
Answer
Hi there
Yes, injectable ART is now available in the UK. However, it is still not being widely used because clinics are still adapting to be able to give injections instead of pills.
When you register with your doctor in the UK, this can be one of the things you can discuss.
This combination includes two injections: cabotegravir LA (vocabria) + rilpivirine LA (Rekambys). In the US, the two combinations are called Cabenuva. The first injections are every month, and then every 2 months.
The discussion should also include other simple suggestions to make it easier to remember your meds. For example, do you use a pill box so you can easily see whether or not you have taken your meds?
Biktarvy is is such a small pill that most people find it easier to take. Also, once you are undetectable, missing an odd dose will not cause any problems.
If your doctor thinks injections would be a good idea, then they should be available.
BHIVA information about injectable ART.
https://www.bhiva.org/file/6356671bcbecd/LA-CAB-RPV-for-ART-NTS.pdf
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