Compare → Lenacapavir vs Apretude
Injectable PrEP · head-to-headLenacapavir vs Apretude: which injectable PrEP is better?
Two long-acting injections now prevent HIV without a daily pill: Apretude (cabotegravir) every 2 months, and Yeztugo (lenacapavir) every 6 months. Both work extremely well — here's how they really differ on schedule, the shot itself, side effects and cost.
⚖️ Apretude vs Yeztugo (lenacapavir) — side by side
| Feature | Apretude (cabotegravir) | Yeztugo (lenacapavir) |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing | Every 2 months | Every 6 months |
| Shots per year | ~6 | 2 |
| How it's given | Injection into the buttock muscle (IM) | Small injection under the skin of the belly (SC) |
| Starter phase | 2 shots one month apart, then every 2 mo | Loading doses, then every 6 mo |
| FDA approved | 2021 | 2025 new |
| Approved for | All genders | All genders |
| Effectiveness | very high | near-complete in trials |
| Most common side effect | injection-site reaction | injection-site nodule/reaction |
| Maker | ViiV Healthcare | Gilead |
| Cost | brand-only, high list price | brand-only, high list price |
The real differences
- Frequency. The headline difference — 2 shots a year (lenacapavir) vs 6 (Apretude). If fewer clinic visits matter most to you, lenacapavir wins.
- The injection itself. Apretude is an intramuscular shot in the buttock; lenacapavir is a small under-the-skin injection in the abdomen that can leave a temporary lump (nodule).
- Track record. Apretude has been used since 2021; lenacapavir (Yeztugo) is newer (2025) and showed near-complete protection in its PURPOSE trials.
- Both skip the daily pill — ideal if adherence to Truvada/Descovy is hard, or you want privacy.
Which injectable is right for you?
- Pick lenacapavir (Yeztugo) if you want the fewest visits — just twice a year — and are fine with an under-the-skin injection.
- Pick Apretude if it's available/covered for you now and you're comfortable with a shot every 2 months.
- Coverage decides a lot. Check which one your insurance/Medicaid covers with no cost-sharing before choosing.
- Still comparing with pills? See the full comparison of all PrEP options.
❓ Lenacapavir vs Apretude — FAQ
Is lenacapavir better than Apretude?
Both are highly effective. Lenacapavir is twice a year (fewer visits) and a small under-skin shot; Apretude is every 2 months into the muscle. "Better" depends on your preferred schedule, the injection type, and what's covered.
What is twice-yearly PrEP?
That's lenacapavir (brand Yeztugo) — an HIV-prevention injection every 6 months, FDA-approved in 2025.
How many injections per year?
Lenacapavir: 2 a year. Apretude: about 6 a year (after the 2 starter doses).
Do they cost the same?
Both are brand-only with high list prices, but US insurance/Medicare/Medicaid usually cover PrEP injectables at no cost-sharing, plus manufacturer assistance. See how to get PrEP.
Can I switch between them?
Yes, with your provider planning the timing so you stay protected.
See how the injections compare to the pills
Truvada, Descovy, Apretude, lenacapavir and on-demand 2-1-1 — all side by side.
Related
🔬 Sources & review
- U.S. FDA — approvals and labelling for Apretude (cabotegravir, 2021) and Yeztugo (lenacapavir, 2025).
- HPTN 083/084 (cabotegravir) and PURPOSE 1/2 (lenacapavir) trial results.
✔ Last medically reviewed: 22 July 2026 · Prepmedication.com Medical Review Team · How we review →
Medical disclaimer. General information, not medical advice. Approvals, dosing and cost change over time — confirm with a clinician. If you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, see PEP.
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