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.

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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.

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Is Yeztugo (Lenacapavir) More Effective Than Oral PrEP?

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.

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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. 

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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When Will Yeztugo Be Covered by My Health Insurance?

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: it’s accessible today, and is 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.

Know Your PrEP Options

Learn more about both daily PrEP pills and next-gen injectables.

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