Drug Reference

Lenacapavir

Other antivirals

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Therapeutic class
Other antivirals
Action class
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Capsid Inhibitor
Mechanism
P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

SunlencaYeztugo

Available as

300 MG · Oral Tablet1.5 ML · Injection

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: RISK OF DRUG RESISTANCE WITH USE OF YEZTUGO FOR HIV-1 PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) IN UNDIAGNOSED HIV-1 INFECTION Individuals must be tested for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating YEZTUGO, and with each subsequent injection of YEZTUGO, using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified with use of YEZTUGO by individuals with undiagnosed HIV-1 infection. Do not initiate YEZTUGO unless negative infection status is confirmed. Individuals who acquire HIV-1 while receiving YEZTUGO must transition to a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ]. WARNING: RISK OF DRUG RESISTANCE WITH USE OF YEZTUGO FOR HIV-1 PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) IN UNDIAGNOSED HIV-1 INFECTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Individuals must be tested for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating YEZTUGO, and with each subsequent injection of YEZTUGO, using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Drug-resistant HIV-1 variants have been identified with use of YEZTUGO by individuals with undiagnosed HIV-1 infection. Do not initiate YEZTUGO unless negative infection status is confirmed. Individuals who acquire HIV-1 while receiving YEZTUGO must transition to a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen ( 2.1 , 4 , 5.1 , 5.2 ).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE YEZTUGO is indicated for pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are at risk for HIV-1 acquisition. Individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test prior to initiating YEZTUGO [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. YEZTUGO, a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid inhibitor, is indicated for pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are at risk for HIV-1 acquisition. Individuals must have a negative HIV-1 test prior to initiating YEZTUGO. ( 1 )
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action YEZTUGO is an HIV-1 antiretroviral agent with long-acting properties [see Microbiology (12.4) ].
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION HIV-1 screening: Screen all individuals for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating YEZTUGO, prior to each injection of YEZTUGO, and additionally as clinically appropriate. ( 2.1 ) Dosing schedule: Initiation dosing (injection and tablets) followed by once every 6-months continuation injection dosing. Tablets may be taken without regard to food. ( 2.3 ) Initiation Day 1 927 mg by subcutaneous injection (2 x 1.5 mL injections) and 600 mg orally (2 x 300 mg tablets) Day 2 600 mg orally (2 x 300 mg tablets) Continuation 927 mg by subcutaneous injection (2 x 1.5 mL injections) every 6-months (26 weeks) from the date of the last injection +/-2 weeks. Anticipated delayed injections: If scheduled injection is anticipated to be delayed by more than 2 weeks, YEZTUGO tablets may be used on an interim basis (for up to 6 months if needed) until injections resume. Dosing schedule for delayed injection is 300 mg orally once every 7 days. ( 2.4 ) Missed injections: If more than 28 weeks have elapsed since the last injection and tablets have not been taken, restart initiation from Day 1 if clinically appropriate. ( 2.4 ) Dosage modifications (supplemental doses) of YEZTUGO are recommended when initiating strong or moderate CYP3A inducers. ( 2.5 ) YEZTUGO injection is for subcutaneous administration only. Two 1.5 mL injections are required for complete dose. ( 2.6 ) 2.1 HIV-1 Screening for Individuals Receiving YEZTUGO for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Screen all individuals for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating YEZTUGO, prior to each subsequent injection of YEZTUGO, and additionally as clinically appropriate, using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. When screening for HIV-1 infection prior to initiating YEZTUGO, if an antigen/antibody-specific test is used and provides negative results, then such negative results should be confirmed using an RNA-specific assay, even if the results of the RNA-assay are available after YEZTUGO initiation. When screening for HIV-1 infection prior to continuing YEZTUGO, negative results from a rapid, point-of-care antigen/antibody test should be confirmed using a more sensitive assay [see Indications and Usage (1) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) and Clinical Studies (14) ]. 2.2 Adherence to YEZTUGO Prior to starting YEZTUGO, healthcare providers should select individuals who agree to the required testing and every 6 month injection dosing schedule, and counsel individuals about the importance of adherence to scheduled YEZTUGO dosing visits to help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV-1 infection and development of resistance [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) , and Microbiology (12.4) ] . 2.3 Recommended Dosage The YEZTUGO dosing schedule in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg consists of a required initiation dosing (subcutaneous injections and oral tablets) followed by once every 6-months continuation dosing (subcutaneous injections) ( Table 1 ). YEZTUGO oral tablets may be taken with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 1. Dosing Schedule for YEZTUGO Initiation and Continuation in Adults and Adolescents Weighing at Least 35 kg Time Dosage of YEZTUGO: Initiation The complete initiation dosing schedule, consisting of subcutaneous injections and oral tablets, is required; the efficacy of YEZTUGO has only been established with this dosing schedule. Day 1 927 mg by subcutaneous injection (2 x 1.5 mL injections) and 600 mg orally (2 x 300 mg tablets) Day 2 600 mg orally (2 x 300 mg tablets) Dosage of YEZTUGO: Continuation Every 6-months (26 weeks) From the date of the last injection. +/-2 weeks 927 mg by subcutaneous injection (2 x 1.5 mL injections) 2.4 Dosing Schedule for Missed Dose Missed Oral Initiation Dose If the Day 2 oral initiation dose (600 mg; see Table 1 ) is missed, take it as soon as possible. Do not take Day 1 and Da
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Serious Injection Site Reactions with Improper Administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 5%, all grades) are injection site reactions, headache, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Gilead Sciences, Inc. at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The primary safety assessment of YEZTUGO is based on data from two randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trials, PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, in which a total of 8616 adult and adolescent participants received YEZTUGO (N=4323), DESCOVY (emtricitabine [FTC]/tenofovir alafenamide [TAF]; N=2135) once daily, or TRUVADA (FTC/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [TDF]; N=2158) once daily for HIV-1 PrEP. In PURPOSE 1, the median duration of exposure to YEZTUGO, DESCOVY, and TRUVADA was 43, 42, and 41 weeks, respectively. In PURPOSE 2, the median duration of exposure to both YEZTUGO and TRUVADA was 39 weeks. The most common adverse reactions (all Grades) reported in at least 5% of participants receiving YEZTUGO in either PURPOSE 1 or PURPOSE 2 were injection site reactions, headache, and nausea. In PURPOSE 1, <1% of participants in the groups receiving YEZTUGO, DESCOVY or TRUVADA, discontinued due to adverse events (all causality). In PURPOSE 2, 1% of participants in the group receiving YEZTUGO and <1% of participants receiving TRUVADA discontinued due to adverse events (all causality). Table 6 presents the frequency of adverse reactions (all Grades) in at least 2% of participants receiving YEZTUGO in either PURPOSE 1 or PURPOSE 2. Table 6. Adverse Drug Reactions (All Grades) Reported in ≥2% Frequencies of adverse reactions are based on all adverse events attributed to study drug (or to the procedure for injection site reactions) by the investigator. of Participants Receiving YEZTUGO in PURPOSE 1 or PURPOSE 2 PURPOSE 1 PURPOSE 2 Adverse Reaction YEZTUGO N=2140 TRUVADA Participants received placebo subcutaneous injections (polyethylene glycol 400). N=1070 YEZTUGO N=2183 TRUVADA N=1088 Injection Site Reactions 69% 34% 83% 69% Headache 7% 8% 2% 2% Nausea 5% 11% 2% 4% Dizziness 4% 6% <1% 1% Vomiting 4% 7% <1% 1% Diarrhea 4% 4% 2% 2% Injection-Associated Adverse Reactions Local Injection Site Reactions (ISRs) The most frequent adverse reactions associated with lenacapavir injection for subcutaneous use in PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 were ISRs. The most commonly reported ISRs (all grades) in at least 2% of participants who received YEZTUGO in either PURPOSE 1 or PURPOSE 2 are presented in Table 7 . PURPOSE 1 In PURPOSE 1, 69% of participants receiving YEZTUGO experienced ISRs, compared to 35% of participants receiving placebo injections (and DESCOVY or TRUVADA). Most participants who received YEZTUGO had mild (Grade 1, 50%) or moderate (Grade 2, 19%) severity ISRs. Grade 3 ISRs were reported in 4 (0.2%) participants, and included ulcer and nodule. YEZTUGO was discontinued due to ISRs in 4 (0.2%) participants. None of the ISRs were serious. The incidence of reported ISRs decreased with subsequent injections. Nodules: Injection site nodule was reported in 64% of participants who received YEZTUGO and resolved more slowly than other ISRs. The median duration of nodules associated with the first injections of YEZTUGO was 350 (interquartile range: 182, 470) days. The median of the maximum observed nodule diameter from each participant was 3.0 (interquartile range: 2.0, 3.5) cm. Other ISRs: The other ISRs reported in more than 2% of participants who received YEZTUGO were pain (31%), swelling (4

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in individuals exposed to YEZTUGO during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register individuals by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Available data from a randomized, controlled trial (PURPOSE 1) with YEZTUGO use during pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk for miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when compared to the active control (see Data ) . The rate of major birth defects in YEZTUGO-exposed pregnancies did not exceed the background prevalence rates. The risk estimates are imprecise due to small numbers of exposed pregnancies (see Data ) . There is an increased risk of HIV-1 transmission from the mother to the child during acute HIV-1 infection (see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed when lenacapavir was administered to rats and rabbits at exposures (AUC) ≥7 times the exposure in humans at the recommended human dose (RHD) of YEZTUGO ( see Data ). The APR has been established to monitor for birth defects following prenatal exposure to antiretrovirals. The APR uses the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) as the U.S. reference population for birth defects in the general population. The background rate for major birth defects is 2.7% in the MACDP. The rate of miscarriage for individual drugs is not reported in the APR. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 15–20%. The MACDP evaluates mothers and infants from a limited geographic area and does not include outcomes for births that occurred at < 20 weeks gestation. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Published studies indicate an increased risk of HIV-1 infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of mother to child transmission during acute HIV-1 infection. In women at risk of acquiring HIV-1, consideration should be given to methods to prevent acquisition of HIV-1, including continuing or initiating YEZTUGO for HIV-1 PrEP, during pregnancy. Data Human Data In a randomized, controlled trial in Uganda and South Africa (PURPOSE 1), there were 208 pregnancies exposed to YEZTUGO with known outcomes and 132 deliveries (both live and non-live). In the active control arm of PURPOSE 1, there were 10
BreastfeedingCaution
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Lenacapavir is present in human milk.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Comprehensive management to reduce the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. ( 5.1 ) Potential risk of developing resistance to lenacapavir if an individual acquires HIV-1 either before or when receiving YEZTUGO, or following discontinuation of YEZTUGO. Test before each injection and additionally as clinically appropriate to confirm HIV-1 negative status ( 5.2 ) Residual concentrations of lenacapavir may remain in systemic circulation for up to 12 months or longer. ( 5.3 ) Improper administration (intradermal injection) has been associated with serious injection site reactions. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Comprehensive Management to Reduce the Risk of HIV-1 Infection and Other Sexually Acquired Infections Use YEZTUGO to reduce the risk of HIV-1 acquisition as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy including adherence to the administration schedule and safer sex practices, including condoms, to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). YEZTUGO is not always effective in preventing HIV-1 acquisition [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. The time from initiation of YEZTUGO for HIV-1 PrEP to maximal protection against HIV-1 infection is unknown. Risk for HIV-1 acquisition includes behavioral, biological, or epidemiologic factors including, but not limited to, condomless sex, past or current STIs, self-identified HIV risk, having sexual partners of unknown HIV-1 viremic status, or sexual activity in a high prevalence area or network. Counsel individuals on the use of other prevention measures (e.g., consistent and correct condom use; knowledge of partner(s)’ HIV-1 status, including viral suppression status; regular testing for STIs that can facilitate HIV-1 transmission). Inform individuals about and support their efforts in reducing sexual behaviors associated with HIV-1 acquisition risk. Use YEZTUGO to reduce the risk of HIV-1 acquisition only in individuals confirmed to be HIV-1 negative [see Contraindications (4) ] . Evaluate for current or recent signs or symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection (e.g., fever, fatigue, myalgia, skin rash). Confirm HIV-1 negative status prior to initiating YEZTUGO, prior to each subsequent injection of YEZTUGO, and additionally as clinically appropriate (e.g., upon diagnosis of other sexually transmitted infections or if clinical symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection are present) using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Counsel and support individuals on adhering to the YEZTUGO administration schedule, on the use of other measures to reduce the risk of STIs, and on the importance of routine testing for HIV-1 and other STIs. Some individuals, such as adolescents, may benefit from additional counseling and appointment reminders to support adherence to the dosing and testing schedule [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . 5.2 Potential Risk of Resistance with YEZTUGO There is a potential risk of developing resistance to YEZTUGO if an individual acquires HIV-1 either before or when receiving YEZTUGO, or following discontinuation of YEZTUGO. HIV-1 resistance substitutions may emerge in individuals with undiagnosed HIV-1 infection who are taking only YEZTUGO, because YEZTUGO alone does not constitute a complete regimen for HIV-1 treatment [see Microbiology (12.4) ] . To minimize this risk, it is essential to test before each injection and additionally as clinically appropriate (e.g., upon diagnosis of other sexually transmitted infections or if clinical symptoms consistent with acute HIV-1 infection are present) to confirm HIV-1 negative status using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Individuals who are confirmed to have HIV-1 must immediately begin a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen to reduce the risk of developing resistance. In addition, due to the long-acting properties of YEZTUGO, alternative forms of PrEP sho
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS YEZTUGO is contraindicated in individuals with unknown or positive HIV-1 status [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Unknown or positive HIV-1 status. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of YEZTUGO for HIV-1 PrEP in adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are at risk for HIV-1 acquisition is supported by 2 adequate and well-controlled trials, PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2, that enrolled both adults and adolescents [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , and Clinical Studies (14) ] . PURPOSE 1 and PURPOSE 2 enrolled a total of 128 adolescent participants. In the 59 adolescents who received YEZTUGO, the safety data were comparable to the safety data reported in adults receiving YEZTUGO. HIV-1 testing should be conducted prior to initiating YEZTUGO, prior to each subsequent injection of YEZTUGO, and additionally as clinically appropriate, using a test approved or cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis of acute or primary HIV-1 infection. Adolescents may benefit from additional counseling and appointment reminders to support adherence to the dosing and testing schedule [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . The safety, effectiveness, and pharmacokinetics of YEZTUGO in pediatric populations weighing less than 35 kg have not been established.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Consult the Full Prescribing Information for important drug interactions with YEZTUGO. ( 7 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on YEZTUGO Lenacapavir is a substrate of P-gp, UGT1A1, and CYP3A. Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers Drugs that are strong or moderate inducers of CYP3A may significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lenacapavir, which may reduce the effectiveness of YEZTUGO. Therefore, dosage modifications (supplemental doses) of YEZTUGO are recommended when initiating strong or moderate CYP3A inducers [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Combined P-gp, UGT1A1, and Strong CYP3A Inhibitors Combined P-gp, UGT1A1, and strong CYP3A inhibitors may significantly increase plasma concentrations of YEZTUGO. Concomitant administration of YEZTUGO with these inhibitors is not recommended. 7.2 Effect of YEZTUGO on Other Drugs CYP3A and P-gp Substrates Lenacapavir is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A and a P-gp inhibitor. The co-administration of YEZTUGO with sensitive substrates of CYP3A or P-gp may increase the concentrations of these substrates and result in the increased risk of their adverse events. See the prescribing information of these sensitive substrates for dosing recommendations or appropriate monitoring of safety. Due to the long half-life of lenacapavir following subcutaneous administration, YEZTUGO may increase the exposure of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] initiated within 9 months after the last subcutaneous dose of YEZTUGO. 7.3 Drugs without Clinically Significant Interactions with YEZTUGO Based on drug interaction studies conducted with YEZTUGO, no clinically significant drug interactions have been observed with: atorvastatin, famotidine, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, tenofovir alafenamide, and voriconazole.
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE No data are available on overdose of YEZTUGO. If overdose occurs, monitor the individual for evidence of toxicity. Treatment of overdose with YEZTUGO consists of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs as well as observation of the clinical status of the individual. As lenacapavir is highly bound to plasma proteins, it is unlikely to be significantly removed by dialysis.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

6 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.