If you’re thinking about starting PrEP, you’re already taking a powerful step for your sexual health. But with a few different options available, how do you know which is best for you? Truvada®, Descovy®, and Yeztugo® all help prevent HIV in people who don’t have the virus. The right choice for you depends on how you prefer to take it, how often, and which option works best for your lifestyle.
Let’s explore the available HIV PrEP medications and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
Understanding Today’s HIV PrEP Medications
If you’re at risk of getting HIV, PrEP medications can help prevent that from happening. Otherwise, you can get the virus from sharing needles or sexual contact. The three HIV PrEP medications now available are:
- Truvada
- Descovy
- Yeztugo
Each medication is about 99% effective in preventing HIV that originates from sexual exposure. They prevent infection from needle exposure at least 74% of the time.
A Quick Refresher on How PrEP Works
You need a prescription to obtain PrEP. We help you complete each step online, from signing up to follow-up, including:
- Basic health review
- Lab tests you can do at home
- Review and, if approved, receive a prescription from a licensed physician
- Free shipment of medication from our pharmacy
- Follow up and prescription renewal
We work with your insurance provider so that you’ll be all set to receive PrEP with no out-of-pocket cost.
Comparing Your PrEP Medication Options
Before you select your PrEP HIV medication, it’s important to know your options. For example, how often do you have to take it? Does it come in pill or injectable form? What are the side effects of each option?
Truvada®– The Original Daily PrEP Pill
The earliest FDA-approved PrEP pill for HIV, Truvada, has been available since 2004. It contains two antiviral agents: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. In combination, these drugs block the HIV virus from replicating and spreading in your body.
Truvada comes in pill form. You must take one pill each day to maintain a consistent level of this PrEP medication in your bloodstream. Importantly, generic versions of Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are available and are considered equally effective at preventing HIV when used as prescribed (CDC oral PrEP clinician quick guide), giving many people another PrEP option with the same proven protection.
The main side effects you could experience from taking Truvada are headaches, pain in your abdomen, and/or weight loss. Be sure to take the medicine as prescribed to avoid more serious health issues.
Descovy®– The Newer Daily Pill
Descovy is another effective HIV PrEP medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 2019. Like Truvada, Descovy is a once-a-day pill. It contains two types of antivirals: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. Together, they prevent the HIV virus from spreading if you are exposed.
Side effects of this PrEP drug include fatigue, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Misuse of the medication could heighten the risk of kidney and liver disease.
Yeztugo®(Lenacapavir) – The Newest Injectable Option
Yeztugo came onto the market in 2025 as an FDA-approved HIV PrEp medication. It contains lenacapavir, a medication that disrupts the HIV virus’s life cycle to prevent its spread. You begin taking Yeztugo by mouth and injection. After your first two doses of each, you need only two injections twice a year to maintain your immunity.
Like the two drugs above, Yeztugo can cause headaches and nausea in some users. Redness, pain, and swelling may develop at the injection site.
The basics of the three PrEP drugs, for comparison purposes, include:
- Truvada: 99% effective, daily dose by mouth, can cause headaches or stomach pain
- Descovy: 99% effective, daily dose by mouth, can cause headaches, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea
- Yeztugo: 99% effective, twice-yearly injection after starting, can cause headaches, nausea, or injection site pain
How to Switch From Oral to Injectable PrEP
If you like the convenience of two Yeztugo doses every six months, you’re probably thinking, “How do I switch from oral to injectable PrEP?” Our licensed physicians at MISTR can help. They make sure that Yeztugo will not interact with the medications you are already taking. Then, we will help you make a safe and beneficial transition.
What to Expect During the Transition
First, you will need an HIV test to confirm you are not already infected. Then, you can switch to Yeztugo injections as soon as the next day. Once you get the initial doses, you won’t need to remember to take a pill every day. Instead, you will have six months until your next dose. We will follow up with you regularly to provide the support you need.
How to Get Started With PrEP
Simply visit MISTR FAQs to learn more about the easy, hassle-free PrEP journey. We care about your health and support you every step of the way.
Talk to a Provider or Start Virtually With MISTR
Call your healthcare provider for an appointment. Better yet, skip the time-consuming appointments and the wait for lab results. Instead, start virtually with MISTR and streamline the entire process. Together, we can prevent HIV from taking hold of your life.