Vocabria (Cabotegravir Sodium) is a prescription medication used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection in people who have a high risk for infection. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The drug is used for short-term treatment of the infection to see how well you can take the medication before using the long-acting form. Vocabria is used in combination with other HIV medications such as rilpivirine for short-term treatment to replace other medicines used to control HIV infection. The active ingredient in Vocabria is Cabotegravir Sodium. Cabotegravir Sodium belongs to a class of drugs called integrase inhibitors. It works by blocking the virus from growing and infecting more cells. The medication helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. Cabotegravir is not a cure for HIV infection.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Vocabria from Canada manufactured by ViiV Healthcare in the strength of 30 mg tablets. The generic Cabotegravir Sodium is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Vocabria. The most common side effects of Vocabria may include the following:
• Anxiety;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Sleeping troubles
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Muscle weakness;
• Severe headache;
• Severe tiredness;
• Signs of an infection, including fever, chills, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores;
• Unexplained weight loss
These are not all of the side effects of Vocabria. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Vocabria if you are allergic to Cabotegravir Sodium or any ingredient in Vocabria. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have liver disease;
• Have mental disorders
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Vocabria and other medicines like rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, etc. Take this drug at least 4 hours before or 2 hours after medications that contain aluminum, magnesium, or calcium. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Vocabria may harm an unborn baby. However, HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Vocabria passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk. Use Vocabria precisely as prescribed by your doctor. You can take Vocabria tablets with or without a meal. On the last day you take your tablets, you will receive your first injectable dose of these medicines. Do not stop taking your drugs without talking to your doctor. If you stop using Vocabria suddenly, your condition may become resistant. You will need frequent medical tests. Vocabria can have long-lasting effects on your body. If you are taking this medicine to prevent HIV, you must be HIV-negative. This drug is not a cure for HIV. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Ask your doctor how to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Vocabria may make you dizzy. Do not take alcohol while using this drug. Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Store Vocabria at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children.