Lenacapavir received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025 and has subsequently been endorsed in the updated World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on long-acting HIV prevention, released in July 2025.
Kenya, along with eight other countries—Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — is among the first nine nations selected to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), by January 2026.
Kenya, with a national HIV prevalence of 3.7%, has approximately 1.4 million people living with the virus. Alarmingly, 41% of new infections occur among youth under the age of 24, underscoring the urgent need for targeted and effective interventions.
But what exactly is the Lenacapavir HIV injection?
It is the first twice-yearly injectable PrEP product, offers a highly effective, long-acting alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting options.
Why Is Lenacapavir Prescribed?
Lenacapavir is an injectable medication used alongside other HIV medicines to treat HIV-1 in specific adults. It works by reducing the amount of HIV in the body.
While Lenacapavir does not cure HIV, it helps lower the risk of progressing to AIDS and prevents HIV-related illnesses such as severe infections and certain cancers.
Also Read: Breakthrough as FDA Approves New HIV Prevention Injection
How Is It Used?
Lenacapavir is given as an injection under the skin of the abdomen by a trained healthcare provider. Before the first injection, patients may start with oral Lenacapavir tablets to prepare the body for treatment.
There are two ways the treatment may begin:
- Day 1–2 method: Oral Lenacapavir is taken on Day 1 and Day 2, followed by the injection.
- 3-day method: Oral Lenacapavir is taken over three days, then the injection is given two weeks later.
Once started, the injection is only needed every six months, making it a long-acting and convenient option for managing HIV.
Also Read: Bill Gates Opens Up on Finding Lifetime HIV Vaccine
What You Should Tell Your Doctor Before Receiving Lenacapavir
Before starting treatment with Lenacapavir, make sure to share the following information with your doctor or pharmacist:
- Allergies:
Inform them if you are allergic to Lenacapavir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the Lenacapavir injection. You can ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a full list of ingredients. - Other Medications:
Some drugs may interact with Lenacapavir, either reducing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor about any medicines you are currently taking or plan to take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. - Do not start, stop, or change any medication while on Lenacapavir without talking to your healthcare provider.
- Herbal Products: Herbal remedies like St. John’s Wort can interfere with Lenacapavir and should not be used during treatment.
- Long-lasting Effects: Lenacapavir can affect other medications for up to 9 months after your last injection. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about your past Lenacapavir treatment before starting any new medication.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using Lenacapavir, contact your doctor immediately.
- You should not breastfeed if you are living with HIV or are being treated with Lenacapavir, as HIV can be passed to your baby through breast milk.
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