Lenacapavir Injection (HIV PrEP)

What is this medication?

LENACAPAVIR (LEN a KAP a vir) is used for HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which helps lower the risk of getting HIV through sex. It works by limiting the spread of HIV in the body.  It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Yeztugo (PrEP)

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Already have HIV or do not know your HIV status
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lenacapavir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. You will receive an injection once every 6 months. For your therapy to work as well as possible, it is important to follow the dosing schedule. Do not skip doses.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are not able to keep your appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Barbiturates, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital
• Flibanserin
• Lomitapide
• Lonafarnib
• Lumacaftor; ivacaftor
• Rifampin
• Some medications for cancer, such as apalutamide, encorafenib, enzalutamide, mitotane
• Some medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone
• St. John's wort

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Digoxin
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Naloxegol
• Some antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Some benzodiazepines, such as midazolam or triazolam
• Some medications for cholesterol, such as lovastatin or simvastatin
• Some medications for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
• Some medications for pain, such as buprenorphine, fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone, tramadol
• Some medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban
• Some steroid medications, such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone

This medication may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular health checks while on this medication.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Hardening or thickening of tissue at injection site
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.