Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine) is a prescription drug used to treat HIV in certain people. Cabenuva comes as a liquid suspension that’s injected into a muscle by a healthcare professional. Cabenuva may not be safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep reading to learn more about Cabenuva and reproductive health. For a detailed overview of this drug, check out this in-depth Cabenuva article.
There’s currently not enough available data to know whether treatment with Cabenuva is safe during pregnancy.
Cabenuva contains the active ingredients cabotegravir and rilpivirine. In animal studies, cabotegravir was associated with an increased risk of death in the offspring of animals who were given the drug in high doses while pregnant. However, animal studies do not always predict what will happen in humans.
Dolutegravir, a drug similar to cabotegravir, may also be linked to a risk of problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) if used during pregnancy.
Cabenuva can remain in your body for a year or more following your final dose. If you’re planning to become pregnant in the next 12 months, talk with your doctor about the best options for treating your HIV. They may monitor you more frequently during your pregnancy or recommend a treatment other than Cabenuva.
If you do receive Cabenuva treatment while pregnant, consider enrolling in the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. This registry gathers information about the use of certain HIV drugs during pregnancy. Your doctor can enroll you in the registry by calling 800-258-4263 or by visiting the registry website.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about safe HIV treatment options.
It’s not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed during Cabenuva treatment. No human or animal studies have looked at whether the drug passes into breast milk or the effects it might have on a child who is breastfed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Talk with your doctor about your best options for feeding your child while treating your HIV.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.