Apretude Long-Acting Injectable PrEP Now Available in Pharmacies

The availability of long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is expanding, providing new options for the primary prevention of HIV. These injectable treatments offer an alternative to daily oral medications for individuals at risk of sexually acquiring HIV.

Two primary long-acting injectable options are currently available: cabotegravir, marketed as Apretude, and lenacapavir, marketed as Yeztugo. On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Yeztugo, making it the second long-acting injectable treatment option for HIV prevention.

Treatment Specifications and Administration

Both Apretude and Yeztugo are indicated for use in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 77 pounds and are at risk of sexually acquiring HIV. Yeztugo is identified as the longest-acting form of any PrEP modality currently available.

Apretude is a long-acting medicine that may remain in the body for 12 months or longer after the final injection. Because of this extended presence in the system, individuals receiving Apretude are advised to stay under the care of a healthcare provider.

Public Health Impact and Adherence

Long-acting injectable PrEP is designed to address several barriers associated with daily oral PrEP. These modalities create opportunities to support individuals in maintaining adherence to their prevention regimen and can help prevent or alleviate pill fatigue.

Beyond adherence, injectable options can reduce stigma or privacy concerns that some individuals experience when taking daily oral medications. Public health resources indicate that these benefits are particularly relevant for specific populations, including:

• Adolescents
• People who use drugs
• Individuals experiencing homelessness
• Others who face challenges with daily oral medication schedules

Access and Pharmacy Coverage

Access to long-acting injectable PrEP has expanded through various pharmacy and insurance channels. CVS has begun covering long-acting injectable PrEP options.

Apretude has also been made available through white-bag mechanisms from specific specialty pharmacies, including:

• Accredo Health Group, Inc
• AHF Pharmacy
• Coordinated Care

Global Availability and Disparities

While these treatments are becoming more accessible in some regions, there are significant disparities in PrEP uptake globally. In Europe, injectable PrEP remains largely inaccessible, highlighting a gap in the availability of these long-acting prevention tools across different geographic regions.