Generic name: emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 200 mg / 300 mg (but many people just call it "generic Truvada")

Other names and abbreviations: F/TDF, TDF/FTC, emtricitabine and tenofovir DF

2 dosing options:

• 1 pill daily
  
  
• 2-1-1 pill schedule
  - 2 pills 2 to 24 hours before sex
  - 1 pill 24 hours after that
  - 1 pill 24 hours after that
  If more encounters, continue daily pills until 48 hours after last sex.

When it protects against HIV

When taking 1 pill daily, Truvada protects you when you:

• Have any type of sex
• Inject drugs

When using the 2-1-1 pill schedule, Truvada protects you when you:

• Use your penis or anus for sex

Using the 2-1-1 pill schedule, Truvada does not protect you when using your vagina/front-hole for sex, or when injecting drugs.

Possible side effects

• Gas, nausea, or headache
• Not advised for people with kidney or bone density issues

Cost and coverage

⭐⭐ Very low cost! ⭐⭐

• $0 copay with most insurance, including Medi-Cal
• If you have no insurance: generic price $15 to $40 per bottle of 30 pills.
  Provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.

What it looks like

Pill look varies.

• Find images of brand-name Truvada pills
• Find example images of generic Truvada pills

Generic name: emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide 200 mg / 25 mg

Other names and abbreviations: F/TAF, TAF/FTC, emtricitabine and tenofovir AF

Dosing

1 pill daily

When it protects against HIV

• Any type of sex

It is not yet known if it protects when injecting drugs.

Possible side effects

• Gas, nausea, or headache
• Weight gain
• Increase in cholesterol/triglycerides

Cost and coverage

Most insurance covers Descovy (including Medi-Cal)
Provider may need to work with your insurance to get approval. Copay and deductible savings coupons available at gileadcopay.com.

If you have no insurance:
Your provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.

What it looks like

• Find images of Descovy pills. Look for the medication strength 200 mg / 25 mg.

Brand name: Apretude

Other names: CAB (pronounced "cab")

Dosing

• Shot in the gluteal (butt) muscle, every 2 months: 1 shot each time
• When starting: Get 2 shots given 1 month apart, then 1 shot every 2 months

When it protects against HIV

• Any type of sex

It is not yet known if it protects when injecting drugs.

Possible side effects

Injection site reactions: pain and soreness

Cost and coverage

Most insurance covers cabotegravir (including Medi-Cal)
Provider may need to work with your insurance to get approval. Copay and deductible savings coupons available at viivconnect.com.

If you have no insurance:
Your provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.

What it looks like

• Find images of cabotegravir (Apretude)

Brand name: Yeztugo

Other names: LEN (pronounced "len")

Dosing

• Shot in the fatty layer under the skin of the stomach or thigh, every 6 months: 2 shots each time
• When starting: You will also take 2 pills on day 1 and 2 pills on day 2

When it protects against HIV

• Any type of sex

It is not yet known if it protects when injecting drugs. This is currently being studied.

Possible side effects

Injection site reactions: lump (nodule), pain, and soreness

Cost and coverage

Most insurance covers lenacapavir (including Medi-Cal)
Provider may need to work with your insurance to get approval. Copay and deductible savings coupons available at gileadcopay.com.

If you have no insurance:
Your provider can help you apply to an assistance program. You pay $0 if you meet income limits.

What it looks like

• Find images of lenacapavir (Yeztugo)