Last month, Spain took a pioneering step by approving the use of an intramuscular medication as part of the PrEP programme (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV). At Open House, to mark this positive development, we explain what this drug, Cabotegravir, involves and who can access it.
If you’d like more information, don’t forget our post on PrEP, where we explain what it is.
In brief: what is PrEP?
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, involves taking antiretroviral medication preventively to reduce the risk of HIV infection in the event of exposure through high-risk practices.
Previous situation of PrEP medication
Until now, this medication was only available in oral form. It could be taken either daily or on demand (2-1-1) around the time of exposure.
What does this news about injectable PrEP mean?
It means Spain is the first country in Europe to fund, as part of its PrEP programme, the use of an intramuscular drug administered every two months.
The name of this medication is Cabotegravir, another antiretroviral also used in the treatment of HIV, but in this case for preventive use.
What are the benefits of injectable PrEP with Cabotegravir?
The effectiveness of medication depends not only on the drug itself but also on how well it is delivered into the body. This is influenced by adherence (i.e. correct use of the treatment) and proper absorption in the intestine.
By administering a drug intramuscularly every two months, we eliminate factors that can often be difficult to control, such as forgetting to take tablets or issues related to poor digestive absorption.
During those two months, you remain protected and the risk of HIV infection is significantly reduced, without the need to remember a daily dose.
Who is it recommended for?
This is likely still to be fully defined and may partly depend on clinical judgement. However, the Ministry of Health states that it is indicated for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of acquiring the infection through sexual exposure, particularly in cases where oral alternatives are not the most suitable option.
How can I access Cabotegravir?
If you are already part of the PrEP programme, speak to your specialist doctor. If not, you will first need to enrol in the programme, which you can do via your GP.
At Open House, we welcome this positive development, which will benefit many of our patients and aligns with our commitment to promoting safe and healthy sexual practices.
We are also pleased to see such beneficial health strategies being implemented in our country. As stated by the Ministry of Health:
“With this addition, Spain strengthens a comprehensive HIV strategy based on combined prevention, early diagnosis, antiretroviral treatment and the fight against stigma, making decisive progress towards international targets for controlling and eliminating the infection.”
How can Open House help you?
Unfortunately, this is not a treatment we administer at Open House. However, if you are taking or considering PrEP, our specialist medical team can advise you during a consultation.
In addition, through our STI testing service, we can provide a comprehensive check-up tailored to your sexual practices. While PrEP is an effective tool against HIV, it does not protect against other infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. These are serious conditions that require diagnosis and treatment and, as they can be present and transmitted without symptoms, regular testing is the only way to control them.
Madrid Clinic Valencia Clinic Sample Collection Point Málaga
Dr. Julieta Domingorena Córdoba
