What is VOCABRIA used for?

VOCABRIA is used for short-term HIV-1 treatment in combination with EDURANT, or as a preventive measure (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection.

Can I take VOCABRIA if I am already HIV positive?

VOCABRIA is used for HIV-1 treatment only in combination with EDURANT and for people who have no history of treatment failure.

What should I do if I have a skin rash while taking VOCABRIA?

Stop taking VOCABRIA immediately and contact your doctor, as serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome can occur.

Does VOCABRIA affect my liver?

Yes, liver toxicity has been reported; your doctor may recommend monitoring your liver health while taking this medicine.

Can VOCABRIA cause depression?

Depressive disorders have been reported in patients using VOCABRIA with EDURANT for HIV treatment.

Is VOCABRIA safe to take if I am pregnant?

There is not enough human data to know the risks of birth defects or miscarriage, so you should discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.

Cabotegravir Sodium | CAS 1051375-13-3 | AEZBWGMXBKPGFP

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HIV integrase inhibitor

VOCABRIA (cabotegravir sodium) is a prescription medicine used for the short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents, or as a preventive measure (PrEP) to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. It is taken as an oral tablet and must be used in combination with another medicine called EDURANT. It can also be used as a starting step before switching to injectable versions of these medicines.

How it worksCabotegravir works as an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor, which helps stop the virus from making copies of itself in the body.

Brand names:VOCABRIA

Used for

Short-term treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents (12+ years and weighing at least 35 kg) when used with EDURANT.Short-term prevention of HIV-1 (PrEP) in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg.A lead-in step to test how well a patient handles the medicine before starting injectable HIV treatments.A backup oral option for patients who miss their scheduled HIV injection doses.

Conditions

HIV-1

Class

AntiretroviralIntegrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI)HIV integrase inhibitorImmune System

How to take

FormsOral tablet

RoutesOral

For HIV treatment, one 30 mg tablet of VOCABRIA and one 25 mg tablet of EDURANT are taken once daily with a meal. For PrEP, one 30 mg tablet of VOCABRIA is taken once daily for about one month.

Always use VOCABRIA with EDURANT for HIV treatment. If using for PrEP, you must have a negative HIV-1 test before starting.

Missed dose: VOCABRIA can be used as an oral therapy for patients who miss planned injection dosing with CABENUVA or APRETUDE.

Key warnings

·Severe skin rashes or reactions may occur; stop use and contact a doctor immediately if these happen.
·This medicine may cause liver issues; doctors should monitor liver health during use.
·Depression or mood changes have been reported when used for HIV treatment.
·For PrEP, this should be part of a full prevention plan including condoms and consistent dosing.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you have had a serious allergic reaction to cabotegravir.
·Do not use if you are taking drugs that significantly lower cabotegravir levels, such as certain anti-seizure medications or rifampin.

Side effects

Common

HeadacheDiarrheaNauseaDizzinessFatigueAbnormal dreamsAnxietyInsomniaAbdominal discomfortAbdominal pain

Serious

·Severe skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
·Liver problems (hepatotoxicity)
·Depressive disorders

Seek help if

·Signs of hypersensitivity reactions (skin rash)
·Signs of liver issues
·Depressive symptoms

Interactions

·Medicines that affect the UGT1A1 enzyme (like certain anti-seizure drugs or rifampin) may make VOCABRIA less effective.
·Common interacting drugs include Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, and Rifampin.

FoodFor HIV treatment, VOCABRIA and EDURANT should be taken with a meal.

Special populations

PregnancyThere is not enough information about the risks of using VOCABRIA during pregnancy. Doctors may use a registry to track pregnancy outcomes in people taking this medicine.

PediatricVOCABRIA is used in adolescents aged 12 to 17 who weigh at least 35 kg.

GeriatricUse with caution in elderly patients, as they may have different levels of liver, kidney, or heart function.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Liver chemistry
·Signs of hypersensitivity/skin reactions
·Depressive symptoms

Questions to ask

·Should I monitor my liver enzymes while taking VOCABRIA?
·Are there any specific signs of a skin reaction I should watch for?
·How will VOCABRIA interact with my other medications?
·Is VOCABRIA appropriate for my current HIV treatment plan?

Pharmacokinetics

Protein bindingHighly bound to human plasma proteins (>99.8%)

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific treatment for an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical help and monitor the patient's clinical status.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

hypromelloselactose monohydratemagnesium stearatemicrocrystalline cellulosesodium starch glycolatepolyethylene glycoltitanium dioxide

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.