If you’re looking at treatment options for HIV, you may want to learn more about Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine). It’s a prescription drug used to treat HIV-1 in adults and some children as a replacement for their current HIV treatment.

Cabenuva comes as a liquid suspension that’s injected into a muscle in your buttocks by a healthcare professional. You don’t need to take any other drugs along with Cabenuva, because it comes as a complete treatment kit.

You can read about how to save money on prescriptions and Cabenuva injections.

Note: For more details on Cabenuva, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Cabenuva can vary. It may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive Cabenuva injections.

Talk to your doctor or insurance provider to find out how much Cabenuva will cost you.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Cabenuva. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Cabenuva in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Cabenuva requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Ask your insurance company if Cabenuva requires prior authorization.

There are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is Cabenuva’s cost with insurance?

If you have insurance, the cost for prescription drugs is usually lower. Different health insurance plans may have different costs. If the drug is covered by your insurance, you should check with your provider to find out how much you will pay.

The maker of Cabenuva has a savings program for people who have insurance and meet certain eligibility requirements. You can also talk with your doctor about other ways you may be able to lower your drug costs if you have health insurance.

If you don’t have health insurance, you can find out your cost for Cabenuva by talking with your doctor. They’ll have this information because you’ll receive your injections in their office. They can also help you enroll in the drugmaker’s financial assistance program, The internet service called viiVConnect.. (For more information, see “How can I lower my long-term drug costs?” below.)

How much does Cabenuva cost per month?

“The cost of Cabenuva depends on a number of factors, including your health insurance, doctor’s office visit costs, and treatment plan. If you have insurance, you should talk to your insurer about what they cover.”

There are two different strength kits for Cabenuva. The drug can be injected monthly or at a higher dose every 2 months once certain starting doses are completed.

The cost of the 2-month kit is likely to be higher than the 1-month kit, but it is likely to be cheaper over time. Your doctor can recommend a schedule that is right for you and can give you an idea of the price you will pay for treatment.

To learn more about Cabenuva’s dosage, see this in-depth article.

Cabenuva only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication but it tends to cost less.)

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

“Years of research and testing are needed to make sure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. The drugs can be expensive if they are tested. The drugmaker can sell the drug for 20 years. Generic versions can be created by other drugmakers after that. The market can lead to lower prices for generics. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, so they don’t need to be studied again. This can lead to lower costs.”

Cabenuva’s long-term costs may be lower if you enroll in The internet service called viiVConnect.. This is an assistance program that helps with drug costs for eligible people with and without insurance.

“If you don’t have health insurance, talk to your doctor. They can help you enroll in the program and give you more information. You can find out more about the service by calling.”

If you need help understanding your insurance, check out these online resources.

You can find information on insurance, drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards on these sites.

If you still have questions about how to pay for Cabenuva, you should talk to your doctor. If you have health insurance, you need to talk to your insurance provider to find out the actual cost of the drug.

You can ask your doctor or insurance provider questions.

  • Will my cost of Cabenuva be different if I get my dose once a month or every 2 months?
  • Is there a lower cost option for my condition?
  • Are complete treatment options such as Cabenuva less costly than taking several HIV drugs?

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.