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Daily pills
A daily routine may suit you if you prefer taking medicine at home. Follow-up and lab work still matter. Descovy is not indicated for people whose risk is through receptive vaginal sex.
Compare injectable HIV PrEP options
Fewer dosing days can help some people stay on PrEP. The right choice also depends on testing, follow-up, medicine interactions and your health.
This comparison supports a clinician discussion. It does not rank medicines or promise that a particular option is right for you.
Injection or daily pill?
Fewer dosing days can help some people stay on PrEP. The right choice also depends on testing, follow-up, medicine interactions and your health.
Possible HIV exposure within 72 hours?
If you may have been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, seek urgent medical evaluation now. PEP works best when started as soon as possible. Do not wait for a routine PrEP appointment; go to an emergency department if prompt evaluation is unavailable.
Yeztugo, Apretude and oral PrEP at a glance
| Option | How it is taken | Planning questions |
|---|---|---|
| Yeztugo (lenacapavir) | Starter injections and tablets, then injections generally every six months. | Required HIV testing; injection-site effects; interactions; keeping return visits. |
| Apretude (cabotegravir) | Two initiation injections one month apart, then generally every two months. | Required HIV testing; injection-site effects; clinic attendance; interactions. |
| Daily oral PrEP | A prescribed tablet each day. | Daily adherence; kidney and hepatitis B assessment; exposure route; refills. |
Schedules can change when starting, switching or after a delay. Follow your prescriber’s instructions. Oral medicines and injectable medicines do not have identical indications or evidence for every exposure route.
What the differences mean for your routine
Two-month injections
Apretude removes the daily-pill routine after initiation, but requires regular clinic visits and HIV testing. An oral lead-in may be discussed; it is not required for everyone.
Six-month injections
Yeztugo involves starter tablets as well as injections. Six-month dosing does not mean all testing or sexual-health care happens only twice a year.
Daily oral PrEP details · Apretude details · Yeztugo details
Before switching or missing an injection
Tell your clinician the name and date of your last medicine or injection. HIV testing and the timing of the next regimen need coordination. If an injection will be late, contact the clinic before the due date to arrange a clinician-directed prevention plan.
Do not compare trial percentages as though the medicines were tested head-to-head in the same people. Discuss the evidence and fit with your clinician.
Questions to discuss before your visit
Which PrEP is best?
There is no single best option for everyone. Your exposure route, medical history, preferences, testing results and ability to maintain the schedule help guide the choice.
Does an injection protect immediately?
The start of protection depends on the regimen and clinical guidance. The time to maximal protection for Yeztugo is unknown. Ask your clinician about additional prevention while starting or switching.
Can I stop once I get an injection?
Contact the prescriber before stopping. Long-acting medicine remains in the body, and a transition plan may be needed to reduce HIV risk and resistance.
Sources and update date
Updated September 15, 2026. Clinical information is based on the resources below. Your clinician applies current guidance to your care.
Choose your PrEP care pathway
Review testing, medication options, costs and follow-up with the Nao Medical team.
Compare PrEP optionsHealth information notice
General information only. The information below is not medical advice and does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from a licensed clinician.
Content was updated September 15, 2026 from the sources cited on the cited resources. Medical guidance, prescribing information, medication availability, and insurance rules can change. A licensed clinician must confirm current information and determine each patient's eligibility, testing, treatment, administration setting, and follow-up. Call 911 for a medical emergency. Contact Nao Medical with a question or correction.