Learn How HIV Prevention Injections Work
Injectable PrEP uses antiretroviral medicine to help prevent HIV from establishing an infection after potential exposure. Unlike daily oral PrEP, long acting injections can reduce the need for frequent medication-taking, which may be useful for some people. Cabotegravir is a long acting injectable PrEP option, while WHO guidance published in 2025 also recommends twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir as an additional prevention choice.
Important points to explore include:
- Prevention purpose: Injectable PrEP is designed for people who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk of acquiring HIV.
- Long acting approach: Injection-based PrEP can provide protection over an extended period, depending on the specific medicine and recommended schedule.
- HIV testing: Testing is an important part of starting and continuing injectable PrEP. WHO guidance recommends HIV testing before initiation and before injections for cabotegravir.
- Professional assessment: A qualified healthcare professional can determine whether an injectable PrEP option is appropriate.
- Combination prevention: PrEP should complement other prevention measures rather than replace established HIV prevention approaches.
Understanding the differences between injectable medicines, oral PrEP, testing requirements, and follow-up appointments can help people discuss suitable options with a healthcare professional.
Read Key Considerations Before Choosing Injectable PrEP
Choosing an HIV prevention injection involves more than understanding how the medicine works. Healthcare professionals may consider HIV testing results, potential exposure risk, medical history, other medicines, injection schedules, and the person's ability to attend follow-up appointments. WHO recommends long acting PrEP as an additional prevention choice within broader HIV prevention strategies.
Key considerations include:
- Regular testing: HIV status needs to be checked according to the recommended clinical schedule.
- Injection appointments: Maintaining the recommended schedule is important for effective prevention.
- Side effects: Injection-site reactions and other possible effects should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Follow-up care: Ongoing clinical monitoring helps address concerns and maintain appropriate prevention.
- Other prevention methods: Condoms, HIV testing, STI testing, and harm-reduction services can remain important components of prevention.
- Missed or delayed injections: People should contact their healthcare provider for guidance rather than changing the schedule themselves.
- Stopping PrEP: Medical guidance is important when discontinuing injectable PrEP because appropriate follow-up and prevention planning may be required.
HIV prevention injections represent an expanding area of preventive healthcare, but the most suitable option depends on individual circumstances. Reliable information, appropriate HIV testing, professional medical guidance, and continued prevention practices can support informed decisions.