If you’re looking for powerful HIV prevention without the need for daily medication, long-acting PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) may be the right option for you. With the approval of cabotegravir and lenacapavir, HIV prevention is now available in monthly, bi-monthly, or even six-month dosing options.For individuals in New Jersey, long-acting PrEP provides greater flexibility, privacy, and adherence support—whether you’re in Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, or anywhere statewide.
What Is Long-Acting PrEP?
Long-acting PrEP uses injectable medications to protect people who are HIV-negative but at risk of exposure. Unlike traditional daily PrEP pills, these options allow for extended protection with far fewer doses.
Current long-acting PrEP options include:
- Cabotegravir: An injectable medication given every two months
- Lenacapavir: A newer medication approved by the FDA, administered only once every six months
Both work by preventing HIV from replicating in the body, offering high levels of protection without the need for daily pill-taking.
Key Benefits of Long-Acting PrEP
- No daily pills to remember
- Increased privacy—no pill bottles or reminders
- Discreet and convenient for those with busy or unpredictable schedules
- Improved adherence for individuals who’ve struggled with daily regimens
- High effectiveness with consistent injection schedules
Lenacapavir, in particular, offers twice-yearly dosing—a major innovation for HIV prevention, especially for people with barriers to regular care access.
Who Should Consider PrEP?
Long-acting PrEP may be a good fit for people who:
- Have sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown or positive
- Do not consistently use condoms
- Are in communities with high HIV prevalence (e.g., Newark, Paterson, East Orange, Trenton, Elizabeth)
- Have difficulty remembering or committing to daily pill use
- Inject drugs or share needles
- Travel frequently or face housing instability
- Prefer long-term, clinic-managed prevention
It’s available to people of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
What to Expect with Injectable PrEP
Cabotegravir (every 2 months):
- Start with a brief oral lead-in or proceed with direct injection
- Injections given in the gluteal muscle every 8 weeks
- Routine HIV testing every 2–3 months
- High effectiveness when doses are received on time
Lenacapavir (every 6 months):
- High effectiveness when doses are received on time
- Given via subcutaneous injection twice a year
- Ideal for individuals seeking ultra-low maintenance prevention
- May be paired with minimal in-person visit requirements
Your provider will help determine which long-acting option is right for your health needs, preferences, and access to care.
Staying on Schedule Is Key
With both options, timing matters. Missing an injection or delaying care can reduce protection and may increase the risk of HIV exposure or drug resistance. That’s why long-acting PrEP works best when coordinated with a trusted provider offering follow-up reminders and flexible scheduling.
Access Long-Acting PrEP with Healthcare Unity Group Inc. (HUG)
Healthcare Unity Group Inc. (HUG) provides access to long-acting PrEP, including cabotegravir and lenacapavir, through our Kearny, NJ location and statewide telemedicine platform. We make it simple to stay protected—with compassion, confidentiality, and cultural competency.
Our services include:
- PrEP consultations and eligibility screenings
- Injectable PrEP administration and follow-up care
- Rapid HIV and STI testing
- Assistance with insurance and payment programs
- LGBTQ+ affirming, stigma-free care