Tag: Hiv prevention

In June 2025, the FDA approved Yeztugo (lenacapavir), the first and only twice-yearly injectable for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). For individuals considering this innovative treatment, the pressing question is, "Will insurance cover Yeztugo?".

While a standard course of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) requires taking medication for a full 28 days, experts estimate that the active drugs are out of your system within 24 to 48 hours after the final dose. This guide explains the science behind **how long does PEP stay in your system** and the pharmacological factors that influence its clearance.

While peak plasma levels of emtricitabine are reached within just 1 to 2 hours of a dose, its time to maximum effectiveness against HIV, or how fast does emtricitabine work, varies significantly depending on the specific use, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) versus active treatment. The critical factor is achieving sufficient intracellular concentrations of its active form, which takes consistent daily dosing over several days or weeks.

Emtricitabine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that has been a cornerstone of HIV treatment and prevention for over two decades. Knowing what does emtricitabine target is key to understanding its efficacy in slowing the progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and managing Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). By inhibiting a specific viral enzyme, the medication effectively prevents the virus from replicating and overwhelming the immune system.

Lenacapavir is a first-in-class HIV capsid inhibitor that can be dosed twice-yearly, marking a significant advancement in the treatment and prevention of HIV. Knowing what is another name for lenacapavir, specifically its brand names, is important as they indicate the medication's intended use.

The FDA approved the first long-acting injectable medication for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in late 2021. The primary brand-name for cabotegravir for PrEP, an integrase inhibitor that prevents HIV from establishing an infection, is Apretude.

When taken as prescribed, PrEP is up to 99% effective at preventing HIV from sexual contact. However, potential users must also consider what is the downside to PrEP, including side effects, cost, and the need for strict adherence.

When taken consistently, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. However, a number of factors, including poor medication adherence, starting PrEP with an undetected HIV infection, and transmitted drug resistance, can all cause PrEP to fail.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is over 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken consistently, but its effectiveness can be compromised by certain medications, supplements, or health conditions. For those considering or taking this preventative treatment, knowing what to avoid during PrEP is crucial for both its efficacy and overall health.

Clinical trials, such as the DISCOVER trial, have shown that Descovy is associated with improved renal biomarkers compared to Truvada. This critical finding leads many to ask: is Descovy better for kidneys than Truvada? The answer lies in the different versions of the tenofovir drug they contain and individual patient health factors.