Key updates
What Are Long-Acting HIV Treatments?
Long-acting HIV treatments are an exciting development in HIV care. Instead of taking tablets every day, some people can now receive medicines that stay active in the body for weeks or months.
- Fewer reminders of HIV
- More privacy
- Easier to manage
Current NHS Option
The only long-acting injectable HIV treatment available on the NHS for stable patients is:
Cabotegravir (Vocabria®) + Rilpivirine (Rekambys®)
These medicines are given as injections at the clinic.
Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine Injections
- What are they? Two injections, one in each buttock, at the same appointment.
- How often? After the first doses, usually every one to two months.
- Why choose them? They replace daily tablets once established.
Who Might Benefit?
- People who find daily tablets difficult to manage
- Those who value privacy
- Patients who can attend regular clinic appointments
Eligibility
To start cabotegravir/rilpivirine injections, you usually need to:
- Have an undetectable viral load
- No resistance to these medicines
- No hepatitis B treatment needs
- Not be pregnant
- No conflicting medicines (e.g., some epilepsy or TB drugs)
- Be able to attend clinic every 1–2 months
Starting Treatment
- Oral lead-in: Tablets for about 4 weeks to check tolerance
- First injections: Two injections at the clinic, plus blood tests
- Follow-up: Another injection at one month, then every two months
Benefits and Considerations
- Benefits: No daily tablets; more privacy
- Clinic visits: 30–60 minutes first appointment, then 20-30 minutes after
- Side effects: Mild injection site reactions are common
- Risks: Missing injections can increase viral load and resistance
Future Options
More long-acting treatments are being developed:
- Cabotegravir for PrEP (HIV prevention)
- Broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs)
- New drug classes (capsid inhibitors) aiming for injections every 2–6 months
Interested?
Talk to your HIV clinician:
- Ask if cabotegravir/rilpivirine injections are suitable for you
- Discuss your medical history and lifestyle needs
- Stay informed about new options
Resources and Links
- Guidance about injectable ARVs (BHIVA)
- Q&A about injectable ARTs (HIV i-Base)
- NICE approval of injectable ARTs (HIV i-Base)
For more information or to book an appointment:
Call: 020 3315 4040 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm)
Email: chelwest.jhcandlobler@nhs.net
Mpox
Mpox vaccines
To book your first or second mpox vaccine appointment at Chelsea and Westminster you will need to create a Lilie online account, choose 'Book now' and select option 15.
COVID-19
Most people living with HIV are not at greater risk of getting COVID-19 or becoming severely unwell due to the virus. However, individuals with a low CD4 count or untreated HIV may be at higher risk. Please check the British HIV Associations regularly updated guidance for HIV specific advice.
COVID-19 vaccines
We highly recommend the vaccination to all people living with HIV regardless of CD4 count, as per BHIVA guidance.
COVID-19 treatments
Treatments for COVID-19 are available through the NHS.
Research Studies and Results
The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People Living with HIV
Kobler and CW+ Wellbeing Programme
A community for people living with HIV.
Kobler has collaborated with CW+ to create a wellbeing programme aimed at people with HIV who receive their care in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
As part of this, service users will be able to enjoy:
- Film screenings at CW+ Medicinema, 3rd Floor: relax and enjoy films for free
- Tai Chi classes: gentle movement to improve balance, strength and relaxation
- Creative sessions: art sessions to socialise and learn a new skill
To find out more, or to register, please email chelwest.koblerpipg@nhs.net.