Yeztugo (lenacapavir) is a long-acting injectable version of PrEP. Injections are given every six months. 

Who is it for?

Yeztugo is for any person, including teens, weighing over 77 pounds, who may be exposed to HIV through sex (anal, vaginal, front hole, or other). It is not approved for people who may be exposed to HIV through injection drug use. Yeztugo can be used by people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. 

How is it used? 

People using Yeztugo receive injections and have PrEP appointments only twice per year. 

Day 1: two injections under the skin, plus two pills of lenacapavir. Day 2: Two pills of lenacapavir. 

Follow-up injections occur every six months (26 weeks). 

Are the injections painful? 

These injections can be painful. Icing the injection site for 10 minutes before can help a lot. Some injection sites (including the butt, thigh, or arm) may be less painful than the abdomen. 

Where on the body are injections given? 

Injections can be given under the skin on the abdomen, thigh, butt, or arm. 

What happens if you miss a dose?

Injections must be given every 26 weeks in order to prevent HIV. If a person is traveling or for another reason cannot receive their follow-up injections on time, there is an option to take oral tablets of lenacapavir once per week until the follow-up injections can be given.  

How well does it work? 

Yeztugo is more than 99% effective in preventing HIV. 

What are side effects?

Most people experience pain, redness, and swelling after receiving the injections. Headache and nausea are also common. 

Most people have a nodule (a bump) appear under the skin where the medication is delivered. These are usually about 3 cm (the size of a grape) but can be larger. These nodules can be red, raised, and visible even through clothing, and can last for 12 months. 

Are there drug interactions? 

There may be medication interactions with some of the medications that you’re taking. It’s important to let your PrEP provider know all the medications you’re prescribed to determine if any adjustment in Yeztugo may be necessary. 

How much does it cost?

Yeztugo can be more expensive than oral PrEP. Assistance programs are available for insured and uninsured people. 

Magnet prescribes and administers Yeztugo. 

Make an appointment at sfaf.org/Magnet.