Yeztugo (Lenacapavir) Explained
Highly effective HIV protection with just two injections a year.
Learn about Yeztugo (lenacapavir) and what makes it different.
What is Yeztugo (lenacapavir)?
Yeztugo is a new form of long-acting injectable PrEP. It protects against HIV with just one dose every six months. It contains the drug lenacapavir, which has previously been used to treat HIV.
Yeztugo injections are provided by a healthcare professional, being injected into the skin of the abdomen or thigh.
Who can take Yeztugo?
Most people who are at risk of HIV through penetrative sex can take Yeztugo, regardless of their gender or body type.
PrEP does not cure or treat HIV, and can only be taken by people who are HIV-negative.
To find out if Yeztugo could be right for you, talk to a healthcare professional.
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How effective is Yeztugo?
Both Yeztugo and oral PrEP pills can be over 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.
In clinical studies, Yeztugo was more effective than oral PrEP. This is likely because people who took oral PrEP were more likely to miss doses, which reduces effectiveness.
Yeztugo could potentially be more effective than oral PrEP, but what matters most is taking each medication as prescribed.
What are Yeztugo's side effects?
Yeztugo shares some common side effects with other forms of PrEP, such as:
- headache
- nausea
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- abdominal discomfort
Receiving injectable PrEP can result in discomfort, irritation, swelling, or other reactions around the injection site.
This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Talk to a healthcare professional to discuss your options for PrEP and any possible side effects.
What if I miss a dose?
Yeztugo is designed to be administered every 6 months, or 26 weeks. Once you start Yeztugo, you must receive your continuation dose every 24-28 weeks to remain protected.
If itâs been more than 28 weeks since your last Yeztugo injection, and you didnât take oral Yeztugo in the meantime, contact your healthcare provider right away. Youâll be tested again and given a new oral initiation dose before your next injection.
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How much does Yeztugo cost?
As Yeztugo was just recently FDA-approved, it is not yet widely covered by insurance providers.Â
Out-of-pocket, Yeztugo costs about $28,000 per year ($14,000 per dose).
With Yeztugo seeing broad support from HIV prevention experts, we hope to see broader coverage in the near future.
This page will be updated with more information as it comes.
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How can I get Yeztugo?
As Yeztugo was only approved by the FDA in June 2025, availability is currently extremely limited.
Freddie is working to provide patients with access to Yeztugo as soon as possible.
This page will be updated with more information as it comes.
In the meantime, consider oral PrEP as an option: itâs accessible today, and is 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.
