Storage Requirements for Apretude (Cabotegravir)
No, Apretude does not require refrigeration. Apretude (cabotegravir) should be stored below 30°C (86°F). 1
Storage Details for Apretude
According to the FDA drug label for cabotegravir, the oral formulation (VOCABRIA) which is related to the injectable form (Apretude) should be stored below 30°C (86°F) 1. This indicates that Apretude does not require refrigeration, unlike many vaccines and certain other medications that must be stored at 2°C-8°C (35°F-46°F).
Storage Temperature Guidelines
- Apretude (cabotegravir): Store below 30°C (86°F)
- No refrigeration required
- No freezing required
Clinical Importance of Proper Storage
Proper storage of medications is critical for maintaining their efficacy and safety. While many biologics and vaccines require strict cold chain management with refrigeration between 2°C-8°C 2, Apretude has been formulated to remain stable at room temperature.
This room temperature stability offers significant advantages:
- Easier storage in clinical settings
- Reduced risk of temperature excursions during transport
- Greater accessibility in resource-limited settings where refrigeration may be challenging
- Eliminates the risk of freezing, which can irreversibly damage some medications 2
Administration Considerations
Apretude is administered as an extended-release injectable suspension for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) 3. The long-acting formulation allows for infrequent dosing:
- Initial two injections administered 1 month apart
- Subsequent injections every 2 months thereafter 3
This convenient dosing schedule, combined with room temperature storage requirements, makes Apretude a practical option for HIV prevention in various healthcare settings.
Contrast with Other Medications
It's worth noting that some medications do require strict cold chain management:
- Many vaccines must be stored at 2°C-8°C and never frozen 2
- Some HIV medications like certain formulations of lopinavir/ritonavir have demonstrated instability at higher temperatures 4
The fact that Apretude doesn't require refrigeration represents an advantage for implementation in diverse clinical settings, particularly in regions with limited cold chain infrastructure.
Key Takeaway
The stability of Apretude at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) eliminates the need for refrigeration, simplifying its storage and potentially improving access to this important HIV prevention medication.