Imagine protecting yourself against HIV with two shots a year—no pills, no daily reminders, no stigma. Welcome to a new era of prevention, where long-acting injectables like cabotegravir (Apretude) and lenacapavir (Yeztugo) offer reliable protection with unmatched convenience and discretion.
Injectables: A Game-Changer for PrEP
From Pills to Shots
For years, HIV prevention relied on daily oral medications like Truvada or Descovy. These have been effective, but many struggled with adherence due to lifestyle demands, forgetfulness, or discomfort with visible pill-taking.
Enter injectable PrEP:
- Apretude (cabotegravir): FDA-approved in 2021, administered every two months. It was the first long-acting injectable PrEP option available in the U.S.
- Yeztugo (lenacapavir): Approved in June 2025, it’s the first-ever twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention—just two shots per year, providing six months of protection per dose.
These treatments are transforming PrEP from a daily chore into an exercise in peace of mind.
Why This Matters: Privacy, Power, Protection
Discreet and Stress-Free
Two injections a year means no pill bottles at home, fewer pharmacy trips, and no daily alarm about your HIV status. Injectable PrEP gives you privacy and autonomy in your prevention strategy.
Proven Performance
Clinical trials have shown incredible results. Yeztugo demonstrated 99.9% effectiveness in preventing HIV, setting a new standard for PrEP efficacy. Cabotegravir injections also outperformed daily oral PrEP in several major studies.
Tailored to Real Life
For those who struggle with daily routines, stigma, or life instability, injectables offer a practical solution—providing protection without disruption.
Real-World Challenges Ahead
Cost and Coverage
Yeztugo’s list price is approximately $28,000 per year—comparable to other branded PrEP options but still a financial barrier for many. Insurance coverage is inconsistent, and people in underserved communities may find it especially difficult to access.
Accessibility and Awareness Gaps
Even with FDA approval, injectable PrEP isn’t widely known. Many individuals at risk for HIV remain unaware of these options or don’t feel empowered to ask for them. Currently, fewer than one-third of eligible individuals in the U.S. are using any form of PrEP.
Bottom line: Better funding, provider training, and community outreach are essential to ensure injectable PrEP reaches everyone who needs it.
Final Thought: Prevention That Puts You First
Injectable PrEP isn’t just about science—it’s about self-care and control. It’s about moving from missed doses and anxiety to peace of mind, convenience, and dignity.
“Shots, not regrets” means giving people the power to protect themselves in a way that works for their lives—not one that disrupts them.
With smart policies, expanded education, and equitable access, we can transform HIV prevention into something that’s easy, effective, and empowering—for everyone.
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