From the Guidelines
For patients who are virally suppressed and stable on Cabenuva, CD4 count and viral load monitoring is typically recommended every 3 to 6 months, with the possibility of extending to every 6 months after a year of sustained viral suppression, as supported by the 2018 recommendations of the international antiviral society-usa panel 1.
Key Considerations
- The monitoring schedule should be individualized based on patient factors such as medication adherence history, presence of comorbidities, or any new symptoms.
- Regular clinical assessments should coincide with the patient's monthly or every-other-month Cabenuva injections, depending on their dosing schedule.
- The goal of this monitoring approach is to balance the need for appropriate surveillance of treatment efficacy with the reduced monitoring burden that is one of the benefits of long-acting antiretroviral therapy.
Monitoring Details
- Initially after starting Cabenuva, more frequent monitoring at 3-month intervals may be preferred to ensure continued viral suppression, as suggested by the primary care guidelines for the management of persons infected with HIV 1.
- Once the patient has demonstrated sustained viral suppression on Cabenuva for a year or more, monitoring may be extended to every 6 months if clinically appropriate, as recommended by the 2018 international antiviral society-usa panel 1.
- CD4 cell counts usually increase after viral suppression occurs with ART, and measurements are recommended every 6 months until above 250/μL for at least 1 year with concomitant viral suppression, as stated in the 2018 recommendations 1.
From the Research
CD4 and Viral Load Checking Frequency
- The frequency of CD4 and viral load checks in patients on Cabenuva is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies suggest that viral load is regularly monitored in patients on Cabenuva, with measurements taken at various time points, including weeks 48 and 96 2, 4.
- CD4 cell count changes from baseline are also assessed in some studies, indicating that CD4 counts are monitored in patients on Cabenuva 2, 4.
- The frequency of these checks is not specified, but it can be inferred that they are performed regularly to monitor the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
Monitoring and Follow-up
- The studies emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and follow-up in patients on Cabenuva, including viral load measurements and CD4 cell count assessments 3, 6.
- These monitoring activities are crucial for ensuring the treatment's efficacy and safety, as well as for detecting any potential issues or adverse events.
- While the exact frequency of CD4 and viral load checks is not specified, the studies suggest that regular monitoring is a critical component of Cabenuva treatment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.