How Much Does Injectable PrEP Cost in 2026?
Apretude and Yeztugo have terrifying list prices. Here's what people actually pay — and how to get either one at $0.
Injectable PrEP at a glance
Two injectable PrEP medications are FDA-approved: Apretude (cabotegravir, every 2 months) and Yeztugo (lenacapavir, every 6 months). Both showed extraordinary efficacy in clinical trials — Yeztugo's PURPOSE 1 trial recorded zero HIV infections among participants.
The list prices are eye-watering. But thanks to insurance mandates, manufacturer programs, and telehealth, most people pay nothing.
Apretude (cabotegravir)
~$3,700 per injection (every 2 months)
with insurance or ViiVConnect
Yeztugo (lenacapavir)
~$14,100 per injection (every 6 months)
with insurance or Gilead MAP
Get injectable PrEP through MISTR
MISTR is enrolling patients for Yeztugo and Apretude. Free consultations, lab work, and medication delivery — $0 for everything through their 340B partnerships.
ANDR735
Use code ANDR735 when you sign up — it helps keep FreePrEP.org running so others can find free PrEP too.
What you'll actually pay — by insurance status
| Your situation | Apretude | Yeztugo |
|---|---|---|
| Private insurance (ACA) | $0 — ACA mandate (USPSTF Grade A, 2023) | Varies — not yet in USPSTF recommendation; ~85% of insurers covering as of early 2026 |
| Medicaid | $0–$3 | $0–$3 (covered in most state Medicaid programs) |
| Uninsured (under 500% FPL) | $0 via ViiVConnect PAP | $0 via Gilead Advancing Access MAP |
| Medicare | Copay — apply to copay assistance funds | Copay — apply to Gilead copay card + assistance funds |
| With copay card (insured) | $0 — ViiVConnect covers remaining copay | $0 — Gilead copay card covers up to $7,200/yr |
Yeztugo insurance note (May 2026)
Yeztugo (approved June 2025) is not yet included in the USPSTF recommendation, so insurers aren't technically required to cover it at $0 under the ACA — unlike Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude, which received the Grade A rating in August 2023. However, Gilead reports that 85%+ of commercial insurers now cover Yeztugo, and CVS Caremark added it to formularies as of January 2026. If your insurer denies coverage, your plan must have an exceptions process — ask your doctor to submit a medical necessity request.
Side-by-side: Apretude vs. Yeztugo
| Apretude | Yeztugo | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug | Cabotegravir | Lenacapavir |
| Manufacturer | ViiV Healthcare (GSK) | Gilead Sciences |
| FDA approved | December 2021 | June 2025 |
| Dosing | Every 2 months (intramuscular, gluteal) | Every 6 months (subcutaneous) + 2-day oral loading |
| Annual list price | ~$22,000 | ~$28,000–$30,000 |
| Efficacy | 69% more effective than daily oral PrEP | 100% efficacy in PURPOSE 1 (cisgender women); 96% in PURPOSE 2 |
| For whom | All adults and adolescents at risk | All adults and adolescents at risk |
| ACA $0 mandate | Yes (USPSTF Grade A, 2023) | Not yet — USPSTF hasn't updated |
| Free if uninsured | ViiVConnect PAP | Gilead Advancing Access MAP |
Which should you choose?
If cost is your deciding factor, Apretude has more reliable $0 coverage right now thanks to the ACA mandate. If convenience matters most and your insurance covers it, Yeztugo's twice-yearly dosing is unmatched. Discuss both with your provider — and verify your insurance coverage before your first injection.
How to get injectable PrEP for $0
If you have insurance: Call your plan and confirm coverage for injectable PrEP. For Apretude, cite the USPSTF Grade A recommendation — your plan must cover it at $0. For Yeztugo, ask about formulary status. If you face a copay, apply for the ViiVConnect copay card (Apretude) or Gilead copay savings card (Yeztugo, covers up to $7,200/year).
If you're uninsured: Apply directly to the manufacturer PAPs. ViiVConnect covers Apretude for uninsured patients — call 1-844-588-3603 or visit viivconnect.com. Gilead Advancing Access covers Yeztugo for patients under 500% FPL — call 1-800-226-2056 or visit gileadadvancingaccess.com. No SSN required for either program.
Through telehealth: MISTR is currently enrolling patients for both injectable PrEP options and handles all the insurance navigation and PAP enrollment for you.
Skip the paperwork — get injectable PrEP through MISTR
MISTR handles insurance verification, PAP enrollment, and scheduling for Apretude and Yeztugo. Free consultations, free labs, free medication.
ANDR735
Use code ANDR735 when you sign up — it helps keep FreePrEP.org running so others can find free PrEP too.
Free PrEP in all 50 states — oral or injectable
Whether you prefer daily pills or injections, MISTR delivers PrEP at $0. Free consultations, lab kits, and medication delivery to your door.
ANDR735
Use code ANDR735 when you sign up — it helps keep FreePrEP.org running so others can find free PrEP too.