Acceptability of Long-Acting Cabotegravir plus Rilpivirine in a Large, Urban, Ambulatory HIV Clinic

Background: Outside of randomized controlled trials, there are limited data regarding the acceptability of injectable long-acting cabotegravir + rilpivirine (LA-CAB+RPV) among persons living with HIV. To evaluate acceptability, we described participant-reported outcomes of LA-CAB+RPV among a population underrepresented in randomized controlled trials. Setting: Ruth M. Rothstein Core Center (CORE), large urban HIV clinic in Chicago, IL, USA. Methods:We interviewed persons living with HIV prescribed LA-CAB+RPV who receive primary care at CORE. Participant-reported outcome endpoints included treatment satisfaction, reasons for switching to LA-CAB+RPV, tolerability of injections, and unexpected effects of LA-CAB+RPV. Mean and standard deviations (mean +/- SD) and proportions (%) are reported. Results: Among respondents (N = 150), 67% identified as non-Hispanic Black, 24% Hispanic, 56% male; the average age was 43 years (SD: 13.2), and 37% were >= 50 years old. Most respondents (93%) completed >= 3 injection appointments at the time of interview. The most common reasons for switching to LA-CAB+RPV were no longer wanting to take pills (89%) and trouble taking their pills daily (58%). Treatment satisfaction was high (6.7 +/- 0.5 out of 7). Two-thirds (61%) reported an unexpected aspect of their life improved. Pain from injections was common (89%), with a mean pain score of 4.3 out of 10. Among those reporting pain, half (47%) reported that pain decreased after initial injection. Among participants reporting pain score >6 (n = 36), most (78%) reported no improvement since initial injection. Conclusions: We found high treatment satisfaction with LA-CAB+RPV in a diverse population. Participants reported moderate injection pain, which improved with time. Results suggest injectable LA-CAB+RPV will be met with acceptability across diverse participant populations.