Injectable PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a new and highly effective option for preventing HIV infection. Unlike the daily oral PrEP, injectable PrEP uses the medication Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), which is administered once every two months. This makes it particularly suitable for individuals who may forget to take a daily pill or who find it inconvenient to adhere to a strict medication routine.

Injectable PrEP offers several advantages, including reducing the chance of missed doses, increasing privacy, minimizing the risk associated with inconsistent medication use, and providing long-lasting protection. However, it does have some limitations, such as a higher cost, the need for regular medical visits for injections, and the potential for side effects like injection site pain.

Choosing between injectable and oral PrEP depends on individual lifestyle, convenience, and preferences. For those seeking consistent protection without the worry of daily medication, injectable PrEP may be the ideal solution.

Injectable PrEP A New Option for HIV Prevention

What is Injectable PrEP?

Injectable PrEP involves using a long-acting antiretroviral drug, Cabotegravir, injected into the muscle before potential HIV exposure. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand name Apretude or CAB PrEP (Cabotegravir Long-acting PrEP – CAB-LA), and belongs to the class of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INIs).

Effectiveness of Injectable PrEP

  • Research has shown that injectable PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 79% more compared to daily oral PrEP.
  • It is suitable for all genders and does not require dosage adjustment based on body weight.

How to Use Injectable PrEP

  • Initiation Phase
    • Receive an initial 600 mg intramuscular injection of Cabotegravir in the gluteal muscle.
    • A second injection is given four weeks later.
    • Following that, injections are administered every two months.
  • Oral Lead-In Phase (optional)
    • Some individuals may begin with 600 mg oral Cabotegravir daily for 28 days before the first injection to monitor for possible drug allergies.

Pros and Cons of Injectable PrEP

Pros

  • Highly effective in preventing HIV.
  • Convenient – no need to remember daily pills.
  • Ideal for those who prefer discretion or travel frequently.
  • Reduces the mental load of daily medication adherence.

Cons

  • More expensive than oral PrEP.
  • Requires bi-monthly clinic visits for injections.
  • Not suitable for people with a history of seizures.
  • Possible side effects such as injection site pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects may include

  • Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
  • Headache, dizziness, or fatigue.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or appetite loss.
  • Muscle or joint pain.
  • Low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms.
  • Slight weight gain in some individuals.

These side effects are generally temporary and resolve on their own. However, if symptoms become severe or persist, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.

Injectable PrEP represents a major advancement in HIV prevention, offering a discreet, long-acting alternative that empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health with greater flexibility and fewer daily concerns.

Who Should Use Injectable PrEP?

Injectable PrEP is suitable for individuals at high risk of HIV infection who prefer not to take daily oral medication. This includes:

  • People who frequently forget to take pills
  • Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, who are among the highest-risk groups
  • Individuals in serodiscordant relationships (where one partner is HIV-positive)
  • Those who have sex without using condoms
  • People who want to reduce anxiety about forgetting to take medication

Steps to Receive Injectable PrEP

  • Medical Consultation Begin with a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
  • Pre-treatment Blood Screening, including
    • HIV testing to confirm the individual is HIV-negative before starting
    • Hepatitis B virus testing
    • Kidney function test
  • Disclose any chronic illnesses or medications currently in use

Comparison Table Types of PrEP

Type of PrEPHow to UseEffectivenessProsConsBest For
Daily PrEPTake one pill every day99%Continuous protectionRequires daily intakePeople with frequent sexual activity
On-Demand PrEPTake pills only during risk periods (2-1-1 regimen)86–99%Used as neededRequires timing precisionPeople with occasional sexual encounters
Injectable PrEPInjection every 2 months99%No daily medication requiredMust be administered by a doctorHigh-risk individuals

Injectable PrEP offers a discreet and effective alternative for those who prefer long-term protection without the burden of daily pills.

Recommended preventive measures when using Injectable PrEP to maximize effectiveness

Recommended Preventive Measures When Using Injectable PrEP to Maximize Effectiveness

  • Always use condoms during sexual intercourse
    •  While injectable PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV, condoms provide additional protection against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
    •  They also help reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy in cases of heterosexual sex.
    •  Condoms add an extra layer of protection if the PrEP injection schedule is not followed precisely.
  • Get regular HIV and STI screenings
    • HIV testing every 3–6 months to ensure PrEP remains effective.
    • Regular STI screening helps detect infections early and prevent their spread.
    • If diagnosed with an STI, prompt treatment is essential to reduce the risk of transmission to partners.
  • Avoid high-risk behaviors
    • Avoid having multiple sexual partners without condom use.
    • Avoid drug or alcohol use that can lead to risky behavior.
    • Never share needles or injection equipment with others.
  • Get vaccinated against STIs
    • Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine: Protects against a liver infection that can be transmitted sexually.
    • HPV vaccine: Prevents cervical cancer and genital warts caused by human papillomavirus.
    • Hepatitis A vaccine: Recommended for individuals at high risk of exposure.
  • Communicate openly with sexual partners about sexual health
    • Share information about your use of PrEP and the preventive methods you practice.
    • Ask about your partner’s sexual health and STI status.
    • Encourage partners to get tested and use appropriate protection.

Although injectable PrEP is a breakthrough in reducing HIV transmission, combining it with additional preventive strategies ensures more comprehensive and safer sexual health.

CAB PrEP Pricing by Country and Access in Thailand

Global Access to Injectable PrEP

Currently, the use of antiretroviral drugs for HIV prevention—known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)—has been accepted and adopted in many countries. However, not all countries have approved the use of PrEP or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). As of now, only 79 countries allow the use of PrEP.

For CAB-LA PrEP (injectable PrEP), a newer form offering long-term HIV prevention, only 57 countries have approved its use. These include Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, Malawi, Malaysia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others.

How much does injectable PrEP cost?

The price of CAB-LA injectable PrEP varies by country, depending on public health policy and access.

  • United States: Starting from USD 3,700 (approx. THB 124,690 per injection)
  • Australia: Starting from AUD 2,000 (approx. THB 42,000 per injection)
  • Canada: Starting from USD 1,600 (approx. THB 38,000 per injection)
  • Malaysia: Starting from MYR 2,600 (approx. THB 20,000 per injection)
  • South Africa: Starting from ZAR 540–750 (approx. THB 1,000 per injection)
  • Thailand: Starting from THB 15,000 per injection

Compared to many Western countries, the cost of injectable PrEP in Thailand is significantly lower. However, it remains higher than prices in some African nations.

Access to Injectable PrEP in Thailand

In Thailand, CAB-LA injectable PrEP has already been approved and is being offered in some healthcare facilities, especially to high-risk groups. Nevertheless, access remains limited due to cost and availability of service providers.

  • Key Factors Affecting Access in Thailand
    • Cost: Although more affordable than in Western countries, the price still poses a financial burden for some groups.
    • Limited healthcare facilities: Currently, injectable PrEP services are mostly available in Bangkok and major cities.
    • Lack of public funding: Injectable PrEP is not yet covered by Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC or “gold card”) or Social Security Scheme (SSS).
  • Future Outlook There is a possibility that the Thai government will introduce programs to make injectable PrEP more affordable and accessible, such as importing generic versions or integrating CAB-LA into national HIV prevention schemes. This would allow more people at risk to receive the medication.
  • Conclusion Injectable PrEP represents a major advancement in HIV prevention. If made more affordable and accessible in Thailand, it has the potential to significantly reduce HIV transmission and benefit public health nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Injectable PrEP

Frequently Asked Questions About Injectable PrEP

How long does it take for injectable PrEP to start protecting against HIV?
After the first injection of PrEP, it takes approximately 7 days for the drug to reach effective levels in the body for HIV prevention.

  • For individuals who engage in receptive anal sex (MSM/TGW), injectable PrEP becomes fully effective after 7 days.
  • For individuals who engage in vaginal sex, there is currently insufficient data to confirm whether protection is achieved as quickly.

Recommendation: During the first 7 days after the initial injection, it is advised to use additional protection (such as condoms) to ensure full HIV protection.

What happens if I miss a scheduled injectable PrEP appointment?
Injectable PrEP must be administered every 2 months to maintain protective drug levels in the body. Missing a dose may reduce drug concentration and increase the risk of HIV infection.

  • If you’re less than 2 weeks late, get the injection as soon as possible without restarting the regimen.
  • If you’re more than 2 weeks late, consult a doctor. You may need to undergo HIV testing before restarting injections.
  • If you discontinue injectable PrEP permanently, it’s recommended to switch to daily oral PrEP for at least one more month to ensure safe and gradual decline of drug levels in your system.

What should I do if I want to stop using injectable PrEP?
If you plan to stop using injectable PrEP, you should follow a safe discontinuation plan. Drug levels gradually decline after stopping, which may increase your risk of HIV infection during that period.

Safe discontinuation guidelines

  • Inform your doctor and get tested for HIV before stopping.
  • Transition to oral PrEP for at least one month after your last injection.
  • Use additional protection, such as condoms, while drug levels are tapering off.

Caution: Stopping injectable PrEP without a safety plan can put you at greater risk of contracting HIV.

Choose Injectable PrEP Services at Phuket Medical Clinic

If you’re looking for a convenient and highly effective way to prevent HIV, Phuket Medical Clinic is one of the leading private healthcare providers offering comprehensive injectable PrEP (CAB-LA) services. The clinic provides full-service care including medical consultation, initial health screening, and injections administered by experienced physicians.

Phuket Medical Clinic operates in three branches across the province:

  • Laguna Branch (Open 09:00–22:00) Tel. 096-236-2449
  • Phuket Town Branch (Open 09:00–21:00) Tel. 096-288-2449
  • Circle Clock Tower Branch (Open 11:00–19:00) Tel. 096-696-2449

You can receive pre-injection consultation, screening blood tests, and long-term health planning with the clinic’s medical team — all without the need for government health insurance or long waiting times typical of public health systems.

Benefits of Choosing Injectable PrEP at Phuket Medical Clinic

  • Easy access with daily service availability
  • Direct consultation with specialist doctors
  • Online appointment system to minimize waiting
  • Comprehensive STI screening available

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Contact Information

Laguna Branch

Phuket Medical Clinic – Laguna Branch is located at

Phuket Town Branch

Phuket Medical Clinic – Phuket Town Branch is located at

Circle Clock Tower Branch

Phuket Medical Clinic – Circle Clock Tower Branch is located at

If you’re taking your HIV prevention seriously, injectable PrEP is the answer — and Phuket Medical Clinic is the trusted place to start your journey with confidence.

Injectable PrEP is a highly effective option for HIV prevention, particularly for people at high risk of infection. While it is more expensive than oral PrEP, it reduces the burden of daily medication and offers longer-lasting protection. If made more affordable, injectable PrEP could become a valuable tool in reducing HIV transmission in the future.

References

  • FDA. “FDA Approves Injectable PrEP for HIV Prevention.” [Online] Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-long-acting-injectable-hiv-prevention-option
  • The Lancet. “Injectable PrEP: An Overview of Cabotegravir.” A detailed analysis of injectable PrEP, its efficacy, and the benefits of long-acting HIV prevention. [Online] Available at: https://www.thelancet.com
  • The Journal of HIV Medicine. “The Effectiveness of Injectable PrEP in Preventing HIV.” [Online] Available at: https://www.jhivmed.com
  • Thai Ministry of Public Health. “PrEP Injection: A New Way to Prevent HIV.” [In Thai] [Online] Available at: https://link-to-article.com
  • Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre. “การฉีด PrEP แทนการใช้ยาเม็ดเป็นทางเลือกใหม่ในการป้องกันการติดเชื้อเอชไอวี.” [In Thai] [Online] Available at: https://link-to-article.com