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Yeztugo (lenacapavir) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce the risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through sex. It is for adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kilograms and are at risk of getting HIV-1.
Yeztugo is a type of antiretroviral medicine called a capsid inhibitor. The capsid is a protective shell around important parts of HIV-1. Yeztugo binds to the capsid and interferes with several steps the virus needs to make more copies of itself.
Doctors prescribe Yeztugo when adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kilograms are at risk of getting HIV-1 through sex and need pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Yeztugo is given as both tablets and injections. The injections are given under the skin by a healthcare provider in the abdomen or thigh. Yeztugo tablets are taken by mouth and can be taken with or without food.
The Yeztugo starting schedule takes two days:
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Yeztugo, the most common side effects occurred in about 2 percent to 83 percent of people and included:
Yeztugo can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer of Yeztugo, offers the Gilead Advancing Access program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0. People who are uninsured and eligible may receive Yeztugo at no cost through the Medication Assistance Program (MAP).
The Gilead Advancing Access program also offers help with benefits investigations, prior authorization requirements, and enrollment in financial assistance programs.
To learn more, visit Yeztugo Cost and Coverage or call 800-226-2056.
Before starting Yeztugo for HIV-1 PrEP, your healthcare provider will test you for HIV-1 to make sure you are HIV-1 negative.
Some HIV-1 tests may miss a very recent infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had flu-like symptoms within the past month before starting Yeztugo or at any time while receiving it. Symptoms may include fever, tiredness, muscle or joint aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, rash, night sweats, or swollen lymph nodes.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
While receiving Yeztugo for PrEP:
Do not use Yeztugo for PrEP if you:
Do not miss Yeztugo doses or scheduled injections. Missing Yeztugo injections or tablets may increase your risk of getting HIV-1.
If you miss your day 2 tablets, take them as soon as possible. Do not take your day 1 and day 2 tablets on the same day.
If your injection is expected to be delayed by more than two weeks, contact your healthcare provider. You may be able to take 300 milligrams of Yeztugo by mouth once every seven days for up to six months until your injections resume. The next injection should be given within seven days after your last oral dose.
A pregnancy exposure registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in people exposed to Yeztugo. Healthcare providers can register pregnancies through the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry or by calling 800-258-4263.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Yeztugo, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Yeztugo for HIV-1 prevention?
In two clinical trials, Yeztugo lowered the risk of getting HIV-1 compared with daily emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada). Truvada is a daily HIV prevention pill used for PrEP.
In one trial, there were 0 HIV-1 infections among 2,134 people who received Yeztugo, compared with 16 infections among 1,068 people who received Truvada. This was a 100 percent reduction in the risk of HIV-1 infection compared with Truvada.
In the other trial, there were 2 HIV-1 infections among 2,179 people who received Yeztugo, compared with 9 infections among 1,086 people who received Truvada. This was an 89 percent reduction in the risk of HIV-1 infection compared with Truvada.
How often is Yeztugo taken for HIV-1 PrEP?
Yeztugo starts with both injections and tablets. On day 1, you receive two injections and take two tablets. On day 2, you take two more tablets.
After that, you receive two injections every six months, or every 26 weeks. The injections can be given up to two weeks before or after the scheduled date.
Can Yeztugo interact with other medicines?
Yes. Yeztugo can interact with other medicines.
Some medicines can lower the amount of Yeztugo in your body, which may make it less effective. These include medicines called strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. These medicines can make your body break down Yeztugo faster.
If you start one of these medicines, your healthcare provider may recommend extra doses of Yeztugo.
Other medicines can raise the amount of Yeztugo in your body. Taking Yeztugo with medicines that strongly block P-gp, UGT1A1, and CYP3A at the same time is not recommended.
Yeztugo can also raise the amount of certain other medicines in your body, which may increase the risk of side effects. Because Yeztugo stays in the body for a long time, some interactions may continue for up to nine months after your last injection.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
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