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A RANGE OF RESOURCES TO HELP SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE EVERY-2-MONTH VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS INTO YOUR CLINIC

Treatment Planner

The Treatment Planner has been designed to make scheduling appointments for every-2-month VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS easier for you and your team.

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Preparation and injection tools

Administration Poster

A summary of preparation and injection steps that can be viewed online.

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PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-230005 | December 2023

HCP Welcome Booklet

To support you in planning and implementation in your clinic.

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PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-230007 | December 2023

Administration Video

As the correct preparation and administration is important, we are here to help you. Watch this video to learn more.

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PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-230006 | December 2023

Patient Selection Discussion Guide

To support you when deciding if a patient might be suitable for Vocabria and Rekambys.

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PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-240006 | February 2024

  • Administration FAQs

    Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions about administering VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS. Remember, there is also useful information in the Patient Information Leaflet that your patients might like to read.

    Does the order in which I give the medicines matter?

    • No. It’s not important in which order the medicines are injected, however, each injection must be given in a different intramuscular site during the same appointment: one injection in the patient’s left ventrogluteal site, and the other on the right ventrogluteal site.[1,2]

    Is it okay to store VOCABRIA in the refrigerator?

    • Yes. Although refrigeration is not required for VOCABRIA, it can be stored in the refrigerator. REKAMBYS must be stored at 2°C to 8°C.[1,2]
    • It is best to let the vial come to room temperature naturally. However, you can use the warmth of your hands to speed up the warm up time, but make sure the vial does not get above 25°C. Do not use any other heating methods.[1]
    • Do not freeze either of the medications.[1,2]

    What is the best way to shake the vial?

    • The vial should be shaken vigorously for 10 seconds, enough to resuspend its contents. It is normal to see small air bubbles after shaking but the suspension should look uniform.[1,2] See the Administration Video for a demonstration of the correct shaking technique.

    What should the vial look like before and after shaking?

    • Prior to shaking, the vial should have no foreign matter or discolouration. The suspension should be uniform after shaking.[1,2] See the Administration Video for more details.

    Is it safe to warm the REKAMBYS vial up to room temperature quickly?

    • It is best to let the REKAMBYS vial come to room temperature naturally. However, you can use the warmth of your hands to speed the warming. Make sure the vial does not get above 25°C. Do not use any other heating methods.[2]

    How long can VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS remain in the syringe?

    • When administering VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS, inject the medication as soon as possible after drawing it into the syringe. The drawn medication must be used within 2 hours and must stay below 25°C. If 2 hours are exceeded, the medicines, syringes and needles must be discarded.[1,2]

    How long can REKAMBYS remain out of the refrigerator?

    • Once the vial has been removed from the refrigerator, it cannot be re-refrigerated and must be used within 6 hours (maximum temperature 25°C) or discarded. It can remain in the carton for up to 6 hours.[2]
    • Use the medication as soon as possible after drawing it into the syringe. The drawn medication must be used within 2 hours and must stay below 25°C.[2]
    • Note: VOCABRIA does not require any special storage conditions.[1]

    Why do I need to inject air into the vial?

    • Injecting 1 mL of air into the vial makes it easier to draw the dose into the syringe. Without the air, some liquid may flow back into the vial unintentionally, leaving less than the intended amount in the syringe.[1,2]

    Should the Z-Track Injection Technique be used only in the ventrogluteal area or can it also be used in the dorsogluteal area? Is one area preferred over the other?

    • The ventrogluteal area is preferred because it contains fewer nerves and blood vessels, and generally has a thinner layer of fat tissue than the dorsogluteal site. However, either the ventrogluteal or the dorsogluteal area can be used with the Z-Track Injection Technique.[1–3]

    Are there any particular considerations for administering injections to patients with a high BMI?

    • Longer needle lengths (not included in the pack) may be required for patients with higher BMIs to ensure that the needle length is sufficient to reach the gluteus muscle. Consider the patient’s build and use medical judgment to select an appropriate injection needle length.[1,2]

    Can I add other medicines in the syringe?

    • No. When preparing to inject VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS, do not mix other medicines in the same syringes.[1,2]

    If I have been trained on a different intramuscular injection technique and am not familiar with the Z-Track Technique, is it ok to use that technique with these products?

    • It is recommended to use the Z-Track Injection Technique for proper administration of VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS.[1,2]
    • If you require support or training in this method, please speak to your local ViiV HIV Nurse Advisor.

    How long should I allow for the administration of the injections?

    • Patients typically spend 15 minutes in the injection room, and should be observed briefly for approximately 10 minutes after the injections, before leaving the clinic, if a patient experiences a post-injection reaction, monitor and treat as clinically indicated.[2]

    Do I need to monitor patients after injections?

    • Observe patients briefly for 10 minutes after the injections, if a patient experiences a post-injection reaction, monitor and treat as clinically indicated.[2]

Key data

CARISEL Study

Key data from CARISEL: A European, open-label phase III implementation effectiveness study evaluating every-2-month VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS in real-world settings.

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PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-230008 | December 2023

SOLAR Study

Key data from SOLAR: The first head-to-head study comparing every-2-month VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS vs daily oral therapy with BIC/FTC/TAF.

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PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-230009 | December 2023

Help PLHIV understand what to expect from every-2-month VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS

Contact us for support

BIC/FTC/TAF=bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide; BMI=body mass index; FAQ=frequently asked question; HCP=healthcare professional; ID=identification; PLHIV=people living with HIV

References:

  1. Vocabria. Package Leaflet. ViiV healthcare.
  2. Rekambys. Package Leaflet. Janssen.
  3. Kara D, Uzelli D, Karaman D. Using ventrogluteal site in intramuscular injections is a priority or an alternative? Int J Caring Sci. 2015;8(2):507–513.

REKAMBYS (rilpivirine long-acting injection), including the trademark, is owned by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and used under license by the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All other trademarks are owned by the ViiV Healthcare group.

PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-230004 | January 2024

Prescribing Information

Adverse event reporting

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GlaxoSmithKline on 0800 221441.

If you are from outside the UK, you can report adverse events to GSK/ViiV by selecting your region and market, here.