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Everything You Need to Know About Yeztugo: The New 6-Month Injectable PrEP
At Metro Healthy Communities, we’re proud to bring the latest in HIV prevention to the Tampa Bay region, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Brandon, and across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. Yeztugo (lenacapavir) is the first long-acting injectable PrEP that lasts up to 6 months per dose, and we’re here to help you get started.
What is Yeztugo?
Yeztugo is a long-acting FDA-approved HIV prevention medication. Unlike daily PrEP pills, this option is given as an injection just once every 6 months.
How is It Taken?
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In-Clinic Injection: Administered under the skin of the abdomen by a METRO provider in one of our Tampa Bay area clinics.
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Initiation: You will likely take a short course of oral pills alongside your first injection to ensure protective medication levels.
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Maintenance: No daily pill is required after the first dose—just your injection every 6 months.
Who is Eligible?
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Adults and adolescents (16+ with parental consent) at risk of HIV exposure, including individuals assigned female at birth.
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Must test HIV-negative before starting.
What is the Insurance Coverage?
We are excited to announce that coverage is expanding. Yeztugo is now approved by the following insurance plans:
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Medicare: Covers Yeztugo with no cost to the patient.
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UMR: Choice Plus Plans
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United Health Care: Commercial Plans
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Aetna: Open Access Plans
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Blue Cross Blue Shield: Blue Options
Sign up here and we’ll notify you when your insurance plan begins covering Yeztugo.
How Do I Get Approved & Started?
In order to be approved by insurance, a provider consultation must be conducted in person. During this visit, we will collect basic health stats required for approval, including your height, weight, and BMI.
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Schedule an Appointment: Book a visit at any METRO location in Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, or Brandon.
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Complete Labs: Testing for HIV, STIs, kidney/liver function, and Hepatitis B.
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Fast-Track: Join our waitlist to start as soon as your coverage is confirmed.
What are the Side Effects & Risks?
Yeztugo is highly effective, but it is important to be aware of injection site reactions.
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Injection Site Nodules: It is common to develop “nodules” (lumps) under the skin at the injection site. Occasionally, they could become hard and last up to several months. They can occur with every dose.
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Common: Redness, swelling, pain, nausea, headache, or fatigue.
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Rare but Serious: Possible HIV resistance if doses are missed and HIV is contracted during the “tail period” when drug levels decline.
(Note: Screenshot taken from Reddit.)
FAQs About Yeztugo
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
Injections must be given on time every 6 months. If missed, you may need to restart labs or transition to oral PrEP before your next injection to stay protected.
Can I Switch Between Different Types of PrEP?
Yes—you can move between daily oral PrEP and injectable PrEP with guidance from your provider.
Does Yeztugo Protect Against Other STIs?
No. Yeztugo only prevents HIV. Regular STI testing and safer sex practices are still recommended.
What's the Difference Between Daily PrEP vs. Every 6 Months?
Daily PrEP is great for those who thrive on routine, while Yeztugo is ideal for those who often forget daily pills. While daily PrEP can often be started the same day, the injectable requires an initial in-person consult for insurance approval and typically begins after your testing and coverage confirmation.
Ready to Switch?
- Fill out this form or call us at 727-321-3854 to see if you qualify.
- Already on PrEP? Ask your provider about switching to Yeztugo at your next visit.
- Pharmacy: Fill your prescriptions at Metro Inclusive Pharmacy or a Copay It Forward™ partner pharmacy to help fund care for uninsured patients—at no extra cost to you.
