HIV prevention is evolving, and Spectrum Medical is excited to now offer Yeztugo, the first FDA-approved PrEP injection, given just twice a year. For many, remembering to take a daily pill can be challenging or cumbersome and comes with a fair amount of anxiety should you miss your daily dose of PrEP or run out before a refill arrives. Yeztugo solves this problem by making HIV prevention something you only have to think about twice a year, and with the same level of efficacy because it is the same PrEP you’re used to , in injectable form. Yeztugo provides powerful and consistent protection against HIV with no daily interruptions, no weekly worries, and no monthly refills.
What Is Yeztugo?
Yeztugo is the newest FDA-approved PrEP option for HIV prevention. Unlike traditional daily PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), Yeztugo is administered twice a year as a long-acting injection. With just two doses annually, you can maintain continuous protection without needing to remember a daily pill.
This option is particularly valuable for people who:
- Find it difficult to take medication daily
- Are looking for more of a “set it and forget it” approach (we’ll remind you to come get your shot every six months)
- Prefer a long-term, low-maintenance approach to HIV prevention
- Want the security of full protection without the anxiety of daily perfection
- Want a more discreet prevention method
Whether you’re living a life on the go, tired of reminders and refills, or just over the mental load of adherence anxiety, with Yeztugo, you can protect your body and your peace of mind. By reducing the barrier of daily adherence, Yeztugo is poised to expand access, improve effectiveness, and make HIV protection and prevention easier than ever.
How Does It Work?
Like oral PrEP, Yeztugo works by preventing HIV from establishing infection in the body. The injection maintains a steady level of medication in your system for six months at a time, providing the same level of protection as daily pills when taken as prescribed.
Clinical studies have shown that long-acting PrEP can be even more effective for some people because it removes the risk of missed doses. That means greater consistency, less stress, and more confidence in your prevention plan.
Like any medication, Yeztugo may cause some mild side effects for a small number of people. The most common are temporary reactions where the shot is given, such as tenderness, swelling, or warmth that typically go away within a few days. Some may experience mild headaches, tiredness, or muscle aches as the body adjusts. Most side effects are short-lived and manageable, and your Spectrum Medical care provider will review what to expect and help ensure you feel comfortable and supported every step of the way.
Yeztugo, Daily PrEP, PEP care, or DoxyPEP: What’s Right for You?
Not sure which STI and HIV prevention is right for you? The best PrEP is the one you stay on. Our care providers can walk you through these options and answer all of your questions so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and health.
- Long Lasting Injectable PrEP (Yeztugo): Twice-yearly injections that eliminate the need for daily pills. Perfect for people who want long-lasting protection with minimal upkeep.
- Daily PrEP: A once-daily pill with proven effectiveness when taken consistently. Ideal for those who prefer oral medication and want flexibility in where they receive care.
- PEP care: PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an HIV prevention method taken after potential exposure to reduce infection risk. It involves a month-long course of medication and should begin within 72 hours of exposure.
- DoxyPEP: An emerging tool in sexual health. When taken within 72 hours of sexual activity, DoxyPEP helps lower the risk of bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. While it’s not HIV prevention, it can be combined with PrEP for more complete protection.
Why Access Matters
LGBTQ+ communities continue to face higher rates of HIV and other STIs, often due to stigma, inequitable healthcare access, and systemic barriers. New prevention options like Yeztugo are more than just a medical advancement; they are a step toward health equity and ending the HIV epidemic.
We believe that protecting your health should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re interested in daily PrEP, the new twice-yearly injection, PEP care, or DoxyPEP, you deserve access to best-in-class, stigma-free care that meets you where you are.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
When you schedule a PrEP consultation at Spectrum Medical, here’s what you can expect:
- A supportive conversation about your health goals, lifestyle, and preferences.
- Education on your options, including long-lasting injectable PrEP (like Yeztugo), daily PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP, so you feel confident in your choice.
Baseline lab testing is required before starting PrEP to ensure it’s the right fit for you.