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The Benefits of Switching to Long-Lastin …

The Benefits of Switching to Long-Lasting PrEP

The injectable form of the HIV prevention drug has many advantages over the oral form.

Words by Trey Burnette

While great sex can be wonderfully spontaneous, a fair share of advance prep work also needs to go into it if the experience is going to be stellar. For many of us, that preparation includes being on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to ward off the risk of getting HIV.

The pill form of the medication — which must be taken daily to be most effective — was made widely available in 2012, but came with a host of hindrances. In late 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made taking PrEP easier than ever with the approval of Apretude (cabotegravir), a longer-lasting, injectable option.

“Apretude is an amazing addition to the sexual health toolbox,” says DAP Health PrEP Navigation Manager Andrew Glorioso, who adds that the injection is available at two of the organization’s three sexual wellness clinics, in Palm Springs and Cathedral City. (The Indio location unfortunately does not have an onsite pharmacy where providers can pick up the shot in advance.)

But at the Sunrise campus or the Stonewall Medical Center, patients come in for an intake, fill out forms, and are screened for STIs and HIV. A week later, they return — and if their HIV test results are negative — are given their first injection. One month later, they’re given a second dose, and then only return every two months for screening and injection. “Patients with Medi-Cal, IEHP, and Medicare have no out-of-pocket cost,” adds Glorioso. DAP Health inquiries about eligibility on behalf of patients with private insurance.          

Only about 5% of DAP Health PrEP patients take Apretude, but that percentage is sure to increase as the injectable’s benefits are more widely known.

So, what are the top five benefits of Apretude?

1. “We must accept human error as inevitable and design around that fact.” — Physician and author Dr. Donald Berwick

Apretude — 69% more effective than oral PrEP — eliminates errors in pill adherence. “After two years on [oral] PrEP, I switched,” says a DAP Health community educator who wishes to remain anonymous. “No more forgetting my pills.”

2. “Peace of mind for five minutes, that’s what I crave.” — Singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette

There are no pills to be lost, stolen, or misplaced when one is experiencing unstable living conditions, stressful life events, or unpredictable schedules.

3. “Obviously, I can get moody, but my whole philosophy is to try and have a good time.” — Famous fictional character Eliza Doolittle

Bimonthly screening gives patients regular reassurance of their health status. “The regular checkups reduce any stress I feel, and I can enjoy life,” says the community educator.

4. “The less routine, the more life.” — Teacher, writer, and philosopher Amos Bronson Alcott

Apretude replaces an added pharmacy trip with one simple office visit.

5. “Privacy is not something that I’m merely entitled to, it’s an absolute prerequisite.” — Legendary actor Marlon Brando

For those who need or desire medical privacy, Apretude is ideal because there are no telltale medication bottles for others to see. 

Contact us today to learn more about injectable PrEP