Cabotegravir / rilpivirine and Soreness: What Users Say

• G91...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2025

For HIV Infection "I originally started on Biktarvy, eventually became undetectable with a CD4 up in the 500s, but my cholesterol also shot up, gained 20 lb, and was experiencing lots of fatigue, so decided to try Cabenuva. Started with the oral lead-in, felt no difference, then started with the injections a month after, then every other month. Yeah, it does get sore where they inject the medication, but it goes away in less than a week. It does leave a little bump, but you just have to massage it, and it eventually goes away. Six months later, still undetectable, CD4 800s, labs normal, my cholesterol lowered, lost about 15 lb, still a little fatigue, but not like how I used to be. I did notice that my face did get a little puffy, but I’m not sure if it’s from the weight gain or the medication. I also did get the weird/vivid dreams side effect. I’ve also gotten used to the soreness, but it’s worth not taking a pill every day."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2025

For HIV Infection "About 3 weeks after my first injection and for the first two, I was in moderate pain around the injection site. Actually, it was pretty rough. It’s only been the past 3 days or so that I’m feeling back to normal and the injection site is no longer sore to the touch. Hoping the second shot in a week and a half goes easier. Other than that, all good."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2025

For HIV Infection "I am experiencing a lot of muscle pain in my thighs. I had more soreness with the second injection than the first."