Tired of taking a pill every day? Injectable PrEP is a shot that protects you from HIV for months at a time. No daily pill to remember.
Two shots to choose from
Both are FDA-approved and recommended by the CDC. Daily PrEP pills are still a great option too. The best PrEP is the one you can stick with, and we’ll help you choose.
Does it work?
Yes, very well. In large studies, both shots protected people from HIV even better than daily pills. That’s mostly because there’s no pill to forget.
Is it right for me?
Injectable PrEP may be a good fit if you:
- Are HIV-negative and could be exposed to HIV through sex
- Find it hard to take a pill every day
- Would rather not keep pills at home
- Want fewer trips to the pharmacy
What to expect at your visits
- A quick HIV blood test before every shot. This keeps the medicine safe and working.
- A fast shot from our nurse.
- STI checkups from time to time, because PrEP does not protect against other infections.
Side effects
Most people feel soreness where the shot was given for a few days. With Yeztugo, a small lump under the skin is common. It’s usually painless and fades slowly over months.
Call us if you get a rash, yellow eyes or skin, or feel unusually down or depressed.
The medicine stays in your body long after your last shot, but not at a level that protects you. If you’ll be late for a shot or want to stop, call us first. We can give you pills to keep you protected.
A few more things to tell us
- Your medicines: some seizure and TB medicines, and the supplement St. John’s wort, can make the shots work less well. Bring a list of everything you take.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: PrEP shots can be used, and we’ll talk through it together.
- Hepatitis B: if you’re switching from PrEP pills, let us know first.
What does it cost?
Most insurance plans cover PrEP, often with no copay. We’ll check your coverage for you before your first shot. No insurance? Ask us about our options for uninsured patients.
Common questions
Does the shot hurt?
It feels like most shots: a quick pinch, then some soreness for a few days. A cold pack can help.
Who gives the injections, and where are they given?
Every shot is given in our Fort Myers office, by our nurse or doctor. These shots are not given at home or by the patient.
- Apretude: one shot into the muscle of the buttock
- Yeztugo: two small shots just under the skin of the belly or the front of the thigh
The shot itself takes only a few minutes.
Do I need tablets before starting injections?
Apretude: No. Some people choose to take a daily pill of the same medicine for about a month first, to make sure the medicine agrees with them. This is optional.
Yeztugo: Yes, but only briefly. You take 2 tablets on the day of your first shots and 2 more the next day. That’s it until your next shot in 6 months.
Am I protected immediately after the first injection?
Yeztugo: Protection starts within hours after you take the second-day tablets, as long as you take the tablets on both days.
Apretude: The exact time is not known. Ask us, and use condoms or keep taking PrEP pills during the first weeks if we advise it.
Can these interact with other medicines?
Yes, a few medicines can make the shots work less well or cause more side effects. The main ones are:
- Some seizure medicines
- Some tuberculosis (TB) medicines
- The herbal supplement St. John’s wort
With Yeztugo, some heart, cholesterol, blood-thinner, and erection medicines may also need a dose change. Bring a list of everything you take, including vitamins and supplements, and tell us before starting anything new.
What side effects should I watch for?
Common and mild: soreness, swelling, or redness where the shot was given. Some people also get a headache, nausea, or tiredness for a day or two. With Yeztugo, there may be a small lump under the skin that fades slowly.
Call us right away for:
- A new rash
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Feeling very down or depressed
- An open sore or worsening pain at the shot site
Call 911 for swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing.
What follow-up tests will I need?
- An HIV blood test before every shot. This is a must.
- STI testing (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia) every few months.
- Other blood tests, such as liver or hepatitis tests, if your health calls for them.
We’ll schedule these with your shot visits, so you don’t need extra trips.
What if I miss a shot?
Call us as soon as you can. Depending on how late you are, we may give you pills for a while or restart your first doses.
Can I switch from pills to a shot?
Yes. We’ll do a quick HIV test and plan the switch with you.
Which shot is better for me?
Both protect very well. Yeztugo means fewer visits, just twice a year. Apretude has been used longer. We’ll help you pick based on your health, your other medicines, your schedule, and your insurance.
Who can get injectable PrEP?
Adults and teens who are HIV-negative and weigh at least 77 pounds. That includes men, women, and transgender and nonbinary people.
Do I still need condoms?
PrEP protects against HIV only. Condoms also help protect you from other infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and from pregnancy.
Will people be able to tell I’m on PrEP?
No. There are no pill bottles at home, and the shot doesn’t show. With Yeztugo, you may feel a small lump under the skin of your belly, but it usually can’t be seen. Your visits and results are kept private.
Can I do my visits by telehealth?
Your first talk with our doctor can be by telehealth. The shots themselves are given in our Fort Myers office.
What if I’m traveling and can’t get my shot on time?
First, you have some wiggle room. You can get your shot up to about 1 week early or late for Apretude, or about 2 weeks for Yeztugo.
If you’ll be away longer, call us before you leave. We can give you pills to cover the gap:
- Apretude: one pill a day, for up to 2 months
- Yeztugo: one pill once a week, for up to 6 months
When you’re back, we restart your shots. Don’t just skip a shot without a plan. That can leave you unprotected.
Will it affect my birth control or hormones?
Usually not. Birth control and gender-affirming hormones generally work fine with PrEP shots. Just tell us what you take.
What happens if I stop these drugs?
The medicine doesn’t leave your body right away. It fades slowly over a year or more. During that time, the level gets too low to protect you. But it can still be high enough that, if you get HIV, the virus learns to resist the medicine.
So talk to us before you stop. If you could still be exposed to HIV, we’ll switch you to PrEP pills so you stay protected. We’ll also keep checking your HIV status for a while afterward.
What if I think I got HIV while on PrEP?
Call us right away, especially if you have fever, rash, sore throat, or swollen glands. We’ll test you quickly. Catching HIV early matters for your health.
Do I need to stop eating or drinking before my visit?
No special preparation is needed for the shot. Just bring your ID, insurance card, and a list of your medicines.
PrEP is for before exposure. You may need PEP, an emergency medicine that works best when started as soon as possible. Call us today or go to urgent care.
Our infectious disease specialists in Fort Myers can see you in the office or by telehealth. Many patients start PrEP the same day.
Book a PrEP visitReviewed by the Florida ID Care team, October 2026. Based on guidance from the CDC and the FDA prescribing information for Apretude and Yeztugo. This article is for general education and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.
