Yeztugo: A New Long-Acting Option for HIV Prevention

A New Era in HIV Prevention

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, long-acting option for HIV prevention, there’s exciting news: Yeztugo (lenacapavir) was recently approved by the FDA for use as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). For many people, especially those who’ve struggled with daily pills or even bi-monthly injections, Yeztugo offers a simple alternative—just two injections per year.

At PridePoint Health, we’re already helping patients navigate access to Yeztugo and other PrEP options, with inclusive, evidence-based care every step of the way.

Yeztugo is FDA approved for HIV prevention, requiring only 2 visits a year and is over 99% effective

What Is Yeztugo?

Yeztugo is the brand name for lenacapavir, a capsid inhibitor developed by Gilead Sciences. On May 16, 2024, the FDA approved it as the first twice-yearly injectable medication for HIV PrEP, following strong results from the Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 trial.

In that trial, Yeztugo was 100% effective at preventing HIV in cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men. Over 2,000 participants received lenacapavir, and zero cases of HIV were reported in that group.

🧬 How it works: Lenacapavir blocks the HIV capsid (a protein shell essential to viral replication). It stays in the body at effective levels for many months, making it ideal for long-acting prevention.

Who Can Use Yeztugo?

Yeztugo is FDA-approved for adults and adolescents (age 12 and up) who:

• Weigh at least 35 kg (about 77 lbs)

• Are HIV-negative and at risk for acquiring HIV

• Prefer a long-acting injectable over oral PrEP

It’s especially appealing for people who:

• Struggle with remembering a daily pill

• Want more privacy around their PrEP use

• Travel frequently or have inconsistent access to medication

• Don’t want to rely on monthly refills

At PridePoint Health, we can help you decide whether Yeztugo, Apretude (cabotegravir), or daily oral PrEP like Truvada or Descovy is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.

What to Expect with Yeztugo

If you’re starting Yeztugo for the first time, here’s what the process typically looks like:

1. Initial screening and labs

We’ll confirm your HIV-negative status, check kidney function, screen for hepatitis B and STIs, and discuss your sexual health history.

2. First injections

Yeztugo is given as two subcutaneous injections (under the skin) in the abdomen, once every six months.

There’s no “oral lead-in” required like with injectable Apretude.

3. Ongoing care

You’ll still need routine HIV and STI testing every 3–6 months, which we make easy through our membership-based care model. We can also monitor for any side effects, which are typically mild and include injection site reactions.

Is Yeztugo Covered by Insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans are expected to cover Yeztugo, though coverage may vary in these early months post-approval. Gilead has launched a Yeztugo Access Program with support for:

• Co-pay assistance for those with commercial insurance

• Free medication for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients

We can help you explore these options and ensure the medication is affordable—whether you have insurance or not.

💡 PridePoint Health members receive help with insurance navigation, prior authorizations, and program enrollment—all included in your membership.

How to Start Yeztugo at PridePoint Health

We’re one of the first clinics in Portland offering Yeztugo for PrEP. If you’re already a PridePoint Health member, just message us to schedule your intake or discuss switching PrEP options.

Not a member yet? Getting started is easy:

👉 Visit pridepointhealth.com/prep/yeztugo

👉 Schedule a quick intake visit (virtual or in-person)

👉 Get labs and start Yeztugo—all with affirming, judgment-free care

Why Long-Acting PrEP Matters

At PridePoint Health, we believe prevention should fit your life, not the other way around. Long-acting PrEP like Yeztugo can reduce barriers to HIV prevention for people who’ve never found a method that works for them. It’s discreet, convenient, and backed by powerful data.

We’re proud to offer every FDA-approved form of PrEP, including Yeztugo, as part of our commitment to inclusive, affirming healthcare for everyone.

Looking for expert PrEP care in Portland or throughout Oregon?

Join PridePoint Health and get compassionate, evidence-based care that centers you. We’ll help you access the HIV prevention tools that work best for your life—whether that’s Yeztugo or another option.

Medical content reviewed by Dr. Ryan Coe, MD
Dr. Coe is a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of PridePoint Health. He specializes in evidence-based primary care and inclusive, affirming medicine for adults of all backgrounds.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this post creates a physician-patient relationship with the reader.
Speak with your own health care provider prior to making any changes regarding your treatment plan.