HIV prevention injections are a form of pre exposure prophylaxis, commonly called PrEP. PrEP is intended for people who do not have HIV and may have an increased risk of acquiring it. The World Health Organization currently recognizes long acting injectable cabotegravir and lenacapavir among available PrEP choices.

Unlike daily oral PrEP, injectable options can reduce the need to remember medication every day. The injection schedule depends on the specific medicine and applicable medical guidance.

• Cabotegravir: A long acting injectable PrEP option recommended by WHO for people at substantial risk of HIV infection.
• Lenacapavir: A long acting injectable PrEP option administered twice yearly under current WHO guidance.
• HIV testing: Testing is important before starting injectable PrEP and during continued use because PrEP medicines should not be used as a substitute for HIV treatment.
• Healthcare guidance: Eligibility, dosing schedules, testing, and availability can vary by country and individual circumstances.

Explore Benefits and Important Considerations of Injectable PrEP

Long acting HIV prevention injections can provide an alternative for people who experience difficulties with daily pills. Fewer dosing occasions may make prevention easier to incorporate into some lifestyles. WHO notes that long acting options can help address barriers such as daily adherence, stigma, and frequent healthcare visits.

Lenacapavir is particularly notable because WHO recommends it as a twice yearly PrEP option, providing protection without requiring daily oral dosing.

• Less frequent dosing: Some injectable options require substantially fewer doses than daily oral PrEP.
• Potential adherence advantages: Fewer dosing occasions may help people who find daily medication routines challenging.
• Privacy: An injection schedule may be preferable for individuals concerned about keeping daily preventive medication at home.
• Testing remains important: Regular HIV testing helps identify infection promptly and supports safe continuation of injectable PrEP.
• Other prevention methods still matter: Condoms, HIV and STI testing, and other appropriate prevention measures can remain important parts of comprehensive HIV prevention.

Injectable PrEP is an important development in HIV prevention, but availability and approved uses differ between countries. Anyone considering an HIV prevention injection should discuss their individual circumstances, testing requirements, dosing schedule, and possible side effects with a qualified healthcare professional. These injections are prevention medicines and are not treatments for an existing HIV infection.