Long-Acting Injectables for PrEP

Callen-Lorde believes that long-acting injectable treatments, or LAIs, are one of the keys to ending the HIV epidemic in New York and around the country. LAIs are relatively new in the HIV prevention space—but we are the leading provider in New York City. 

New Callen-Lorde patients can now access LAIs for preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, medications that prevent HIV transmission. You could be on a new medication about two weeks from your appointment, contingent on insurance coverage. Read more to see if LAIs are the best option for you. 

What are LAIs? 

Long-acting injectables are extended-release medications you receive as injections on a specific schedule. These medications for PrEP prevent the transmission of HIV. 

Which medications are available? 

• Apretude (cabotegravir) is an intramuscular injection given by a provider in our clinics every two months after the initial first two monthly doses.  

• Yeztugo (lenacapavir), a six-month injectable medication for PrEP, just received FDA approval last month. We are excited about this coming tool, though it is not yet available for our patients. We will keep patients updated on when they will be able to receive Yeztugo at our clinics. 

What are the benefits of LAIs? 

According to our clinical director of sexual health Dr. Marcus Sandling, LAIs are a great option for individuals for whom taking a daily pill is a challenge. Although LAIs patient appointments are required every 2 or 6 months, people have reported an improved experience due to the lack of daily pills. and clinical trials show that long-acting injectables have a higher rate of HIV prevention when patients adhere to the recommended schedule.  

How do I get LAIs? 

New patients can now access LAIs through making an appointment. Ask any provider or front desk staff person at any of our locations to set up your intake session. 

What should you do if your health insurance won’t pay for LAI PrEP? 

In certain instances your provider may be able to get special coverage and co-pays by working with patient assistance plans. 

As a reminder, if you can’t get coverage for an injectable medication, oral medications are still available at Callen-Lorde and are highly effective at preventing HIV.