Yeztugo (Lenacapavir) for HIV

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Overview
Yeztugo is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kilograms (about 77 pounds) and are at risk of acquiring HIV-1. People must test negative for HIV-1 before starting Yeztugo and before each scheduled injection. Yeztugo is not approved for people who already have HIV-1 infection. Yeztugo is also known by its drug name, lenacapavir.

Yeztugo is a capsid inhibitor. It works by blocking a capsid (protein shell) that surrounds HIV’s genetic material, which is essential for the virus to multiply and spread in the body. By interfering with the capsid, Yeztugo helps prevent HIV from establishing infection.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Yeztugo is taken as a combination of tablets and injections during the initiation phase, followed by an injection every six months. On Day 1, a person receives two subcutaneous (under the skin) injections and takes two oral tablets. On Day 2, they take two additional oral tablets. After this, they receive a subcutaneous injection every 26 weeks (plus or minus two weeks) to maintain protection. If a scheduled injection is delayed by more than two weeks, tablets may be taken weekly as a temporary replacement for up to six months. Yeztugo should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Yeztugo include injection site reactions, headache, and nausea.

Rare but serious side effects may include development of drug-resistant HIV-1 if used during undiagnosed infection, and serious injection site reactions from improper administration (such as injecting into the skin instead of beneath it). Lenacapavir may remain in the body for 12 months or longer, which could pose a risk if HIV-1 is acquired during or after stopping treatment.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Yeztugo (Lenacapavir) Tablets, for Oral Use — Gilead Sciences

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