Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.
Surveys were completed by HCPs across sites. Keywords: cabotegravir, HIV-1, injection site reaction, long-acting therapy, rilpivirine.
Advantages of the IM route include improved drug absorption and bioavailability and the potential for longer dosing intervals compared with oral therapy [ 2 ]. Current medications administered via IM gluteal injections include antibiotics, antipsychotics, hormonal therapies, immunosuppressants, and vaccines [ 3 , 4 ].
There are 5 potential IM injection sites: deltoid commonly used for adult vaccinations , dorsogluteal upper outer quadrant , ventrogluteal side of the hip , and rectus femoris and vastus lateralis thigh [ 5 ]. Selecting the optimal location for gluteal injection is important to ensure the safety and success of the injection and to minimize pain [ 6 ]. Although preference for the dorsogluteal site has been reported, the ventrogluteal region is safer for IM injection as the site is free of major nerves and blood vessels, with subcutaneous adipose tissue thin enough to reach target muscles [ 5 , 7—9 ].
Antiretroviral therapy ART has continued to evolve, with the development of single-tablet regimens and new drug classes that are better tolerated than previous therapies [ 10 ].
