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The U.S Food and Drug Administration recently approved a drug with the potential to be a game-changer in the effort to prevent HIV infection.
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The new drug, lenacapravir, offers a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention.
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This new option requires only twice-yearly injections, which may be significantly helpful for patients who struggle with taking daily oral drugs.
In the ever-evolving field of HIV prevention, the development of new drugs is crucial to ensuring effective and accessible care for all individuals at risk. The U.S Food and Drug Administration recently approved lenacapravir, a drug with the potential to be a game-changer in the effort to prevent HIV infection.
With its unique characteristics and efficacy, lenacapravir offers a new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention. Sold under the brand name Yetzugo, lenacapravir is a long-acting injectable capsid inhibitor, a type of drug that prevents HIV’s ability to assemble and replicate within human cells, effectively stopping its lifecycle before it can lead to infection.
“It’s important to remember this drug is for HIV prevention and lowers the risk of getting HIV if you have potentially been exposed,” says Kevin Wang, MD, a Providence Swedish primary care physician and medical director of Swedish’s LGBTQIA+ program. “It does not kill the virus and it’s not a vaccination.”
Dosing schedule may encourage consistency and effectiveness
Lenacapravir requires only twice-yearly injections, which may be significantly helpful for patients who might struggle with taking daily oral drugs such as Truvada and Descovy or who may have difficulty scheduling injections every 2 months for another injectable HIV PrEP medication called Apretude. This dosing schedule can help dramatically improve adherence rates, which plays a significant role in the effectiveness of HIV prevention medications.
“Both the oral pill and the injections are safe to use to prevent infections through sex and, if you’re on Truvada, injection drug use,” says Dr. Wang. “Of course, nothing is 100% effective, but consistency in medication adherence is critical.”
“Yeztugo is administered in your clinician’s office. It’s two subcutaneous injections each time,” adds Dr. Wang. “The drug’s side effects may include headaches, nausea, abdominal discomfort, allergic reactions or irritation at the injection site. It’s given in the fatty tissue over the belly, so there may be some discomfort at the injection site. Patients may also feel a small bump where it was administered, which may last for a while as the medication gets absorbed.”
Is this drug right for you?
Patients who have been on oral PrEP or another kind of injectable who are considering switching should talk with their clinician, says Dr. Wang. They should also consider the required testing schedule associated with the drug. Providence Swedish is currently working to increase the availability of both injectable HIV PrEP options. Navigating the spectrum of insurance coverage for lenacapravir and Apretude (cabotegravir) is a significant aspect of this work.
“Patients also need to remember this drug doesn’t prevent STIs like gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and chlamydia,” says Dr. Wang. “Please talk with your primary care clinician if you’re interested in pursuing options to help lower your risk of acquiring other STIs.”
“I also want to stress this is not a drug just for the LGBTQIA+ community,” he adds. “HIV affects everyone regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, language spoken, socioeconomic status, and culture. HIV PrEP can help provide reassurance and freedom for anyone who may be at risk for acquiring HIV.”
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Providence Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Providence Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
