With World Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Day approaching Dec. 1, it’s important to learn about some of the prevention methods and efforts. Besides correctly and consistently using safer sex supplies for prevention, PrEP, better known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a type of medication that can also be used to prevent the acquisition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type, HIV-1.

The first PrEP medication, Truvada, entered the market in 2012 from the manufacturer, Gilead. Truvada, which is made of the active ingredients, emtricitabine and tenofovir, was created to assist other drugs in preventing the development of HIV/AIDS — this is known as Anti-Retroviral Therapy and was first approved for use in 2004. Truvada is a once daily oral medication that is roughly 99% effective at reducing the acquisition of HIV, according to the CDC.

Since 2012, both Descovy, another daily oral medication, and Apretude, a bimonthly injectable medication, entered the market and increased options for users. But, this past summer on June 18 Gilead, the same manufacturer of Truvada, announced their FDA approval of a new drug, Yeztugo, which contains the active ingredient lenacapavir.

So what’s the exciting part about it? Yeztugo is the first and only FDA approved medication that is taken every six months. With oral forms of PrEP, inconsistent use can result in lower rates of effectiveness if not taken consistently each day at the same time. It is important to note that there are non-FDA approved, but sometimes prescriber provided schedules, for oral PrEP called On-Demand PrEP or the 2-1-1 method. This schedule works by having individuals take two pills roughly two to 24 hours before sex, and taking one pill 24 hours after the first dose, and ending by taking one pill 48 hours after the first dose. It should be noted that this schedule has only been researched on men who have sex with men, MSM, and that it was found to be roughly 86% effective at preventing HIV transmission, which is lower than other daily schedules, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Either way, injectable medication reduces the chance of PrEP being ineffective as long as injections are taken regularly and are not missed. With Apretude being a bimonthly injection, Yeztugo’s every six month schedule continues to show the developments in PrEP medication. With fewer doctors visits, lab appointments and injections, Yeztugo offers a potential draw in for folks that face the stigma of getting PrEP medication. Yeztugo can be a barrier breaker, but for now, getting the medication is extremely limited and can be quite expensive. It may take a couple of years for the medication to reach at-risk communities, for insurance companies to incorporate it into their plans, and for offices to start carrying the medication.

If you are curious about the different PrEP options, want to learn more about HIV/AIDS, or want to get connected with PrEP resources, schedule a meeting with one of Sex Out Loud’s trained staff members and they can answer any of your questions!