Truvada vs. Apretude: Which is More Effective?

Truvada vs. Apretude

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the prevention of HIV. One such breakthrough is the recent launch of Apretude, the first injectable PrEP. This new treatment offers a fresh alternative to previous oral PrEP options. If you're someone who is at high risk of contracting HIV, you may be wondering how it compares to past treatments, such as the popular Truvada. 

In this article, we'll take a closer look at these two medications and compare their benefits, dosing regimens, side effects, and more. With this information, you can make an informed decision about which medication is best for you.

What is Apretude?

It is a long-acting injectable medication for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). It contains the active ingredient cabotegravir, which inhibits the virus's ability to integrate its DNA into a human cell, thereby preventing replication. Unlike traditional oral PrEP medications that must be taken daily, it is injected once every eight weeks.

In 2021, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it as the first long-acting injectable medication for PrEP. The approval of it is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of HIV, as it provides an alternative option for people who may have difficulty adhering to a daily oral regimen.

What is Truvada?

It is a popular oral medication for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). It contains two active ingredients — emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. These compounds work together to block HIV from multiplying in the body. It is a pill taken once a day, with or without food.

The FDA approved emtricitabine/tenofovir for use as PrEP in 2012, and it quickly became a widely used medication for HIV prevention.

Which is More Effective?

Multiple studies were conducted comparing the two medications as part of clinical trials. Trial 1, which included 4,566 cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men, compared the rate of HIV infections in those who received either Apretude or Truvada, finding that those who took the Apretude injections had a 69% less risk of getting infected with HIV.

Similarly, Trial 2, which included 3,224 cisgender women, compared the rate of HIV infections in participants who took the injectable treatment and Truvada, finding that those who took Apretude had a 90% less risk of getting infected with HIV.

Overall, the results of these studies suggest that Apretude injection is more effective in preventing HIV infections than Emtricitabine/tenofovir.

Truvada vs. Apretude: Comparing Benefits

When comparing these two medications, there are several factors to consider, including efficacy, convenience, and cost. Here are some benefits of both drugs to help you make an informed decision:

Benefits of Apretude:

  • It is a new option offering a different way to take PrEP than previous oral treatments.

  • It is a long-acting injectable, meaning you don't have to worry about taking it daily.

  • In clinical trials, it appeared more effective than Emtricitabine/tenofovir, indicating greater HIV protection.

Benefits of Truvada:

  • It is a well-established PrEP medication on the market for over a decade.

  • It is a pill taken once a day, making it a convenient option for people who prefer taking medication orally.

  • There are generic versions of it available, which can make it a more affordable option for some people.

Comparing Side Effects of these Medications

As with any medication, these two medications can have side effects. Here are some common side effects of both drugs:

Truvada Side Effects:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

  • Headache, dizziness

  • Insomnia, abnormal dreams

  • Rash

  • Kidney problems

  • Decreased bone mineral density

Apretude Side Effects:

  • Injection site reactions, such as pain, swelling, or redness

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Rash

Understanding that everyone won't encounter these side effects is crucial, and specific individuals might undergo unmentioned alternate side effects.

Balancing Your Options

Choosing between the two medications depends on a person's lifestyle, preferences, and insurance coverage. Apretude's once every two months administration and the lack of gastrointestinal side effects make it an attractive option for people who struggle with pill regimens.  However, it is currently more expensive than Emtricitabine/tenofovir and has only been on the market for a few months.

On the other hand, Truvada has been used for PrEP for over a decade and has a more affordable generic version. However, gastrointestinal side effects and the need for daily adherence may be problematic for some.

OSRA Medical is an LGBTQ+-friendly concierge doctor who can help determine which HIV PrEP option is best for you. Our providers can help answer any questions about the two medications and work with you to find the most affordable and effective PrEP option for your unique needs. 

If you're interested in learning more about our services, please see our website or contact us directly.

Nasser Mohamed