Explore Long Acting HIV Prevention Options

Long acting HIV prevention options are expanding the choices available to people who want effective protection without relying on daily medication. Injectable PrEP approaches such as cabotegravir and lenacapavir can provide longer lasting protection when used as recommended. Understanding how these options work, their dosing schedules, testing requirements, benefits.

Long acting HIV prevention refers mainly to injectable pre exposure prophylaxis or PrEP for people who do not have HIV but may have an increased risk of acquiring it. Unlike daily oral PrEP, injectable approaches can reduce the need to remember medication every day. The World Health Organization recommends long acting injectable cabotegravir and, since 2025, twice yearly injectable lenacapavir as additional HIV prevention choices.

These approaches are part of combination HIV prevention and are intended to provide another choice alongside established prevention methods.

• Cabotegravir: A long acting injectable PrEP option that is administered according to a scheduled injection regimen.
• Lenacapavir: A newer long acting injectable PrEP option administered twice a year according to current WHO guidance.
• Oral PrEP: Daily oral PrEP remains another established prevention option for people who may be exposed to HIV.
• Condoms: Condoms continue to provide protection against HIV and can also help reduce the risk of several other sexually transmitted infections.

Long acting options may be particularly useful for people who find daily pills difficult to maintain or who prefer a more discreet prevention approach. However, availability, eligibility, dosing schedules, and regulatory status can differ between countries and healthcare systems.

Learn About Benefits Testing and Prevention Planning

Long acting PrEP can make HIV prevention more convenient by reducing the frequency of medication administration. Lenacapavir is currently notable because it provides a six month dosing interval, while cabotegravir offers another injectable alternative with a different administration schedule. WHO recommends HIV testing as an important part of delivering long acting injectable PrEP.

Understanding the practical aspects of these options can help people discuss suitable prevention strategies with a healthcare professional.

• Reduced daily pill burden: Injectable PrEP can reduce the need to remember medication every day.
• Regular HIV testing: Testing is important before and during PrEP use to help ensure appropriate prevention and care.
• Ongoing healthcare visits: Injectable prevention requires scheduled healthcare appointments for administration and monitoring.
• No protection from other STIs: PrEP helps prevent HIV but does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
• Combination prevention: HIV testing, condoms, appropriate PrEP, and other prevention measures can work together as part of a broader prevention strategy.
• Professional guidance: A qualified healthcare professional can help determine whether a particular PrEP option is appropriate based on individual circumstances.

Long acting HIV prevention is an evolving area of public health. WHO currently recognizes oral PrEP, the dapivirine vaginal ring, long acting cabotegravir, and long acting lenacapavir among its recommended PrEP choices. Staying informed about approved options and local availability can help people explore prevention choices that fit their needs.