Which PrEP Is Right for Me?

There are four FDA-approved options. Two daily pills: Truvada (and its generics), the most established and least expensive; and Descovy, which is gentler on kidneys and bone but isn't approved for people at risk from receptive vaginal sex. Two long-acting injections: Apretude (cabotegravir), given every 2 months; and Yeztugo (lenacapavir), the newest, given every 6 months. There's also an off-label 'on-demand' 2-1-1 pill schedule used by some men who have sex with men. All the approved options are highly effective when used as directed.

Yeztugo is the newest PrEP, FDA-approved in June 2025. It's a shot given by a provider just twice a year (every 6 months), with a couple of starter pills at the first visit. In its trials, over 99.9% of people who got it stayed HIV-negative, and the CDC strongly recommends it as a PrEP option. Because it's the least frequent option, it's a strong fit if remembering a daily pill is hard: the main trade-offs are that it's new, requires a clinic visit twice a year, and is expensive without insurance or assistance.

On-demand PrEP means taking Truvada only around sex instead of daily: 2 pills 2–24 hours before, 1 pill 24 hours after that, and 1 more pill 24 hours later. It's backed by the IPERGAY study (about 86% effective) but only for men who have sex with men (anal sex), it is not recommended for vaginal sex. It's also not FDA-approved in the U.S., so a provider has to guide it.

Yes. Many people start on a daily pill and later switch to an injection (or vice versa) as their life changes: a new job, trouble remembering pills, or just a preference for fewer clinic visits. Your provider can transition you safely, including timing that first injection so you stay protected.

No. It's an educational comparison to help you have a more informed conversation: it can't prescribe PrEP or replace a clinician's judgment about your health, kidney function, and situation. Everything runs privately in your browser and is never sent or saved.