Lenacapavir Injection

What is this medication?

LENACAPAVIR (LEN a KAP a vir) helps manage the symptoms of HIV infection. It works by limiting the spread of HIV in the body. This medication is not a cure for HIV or AIDS and it may still be possible to spread HIV to others while taking it. It does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sunlenca

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• An unusual or allergic reaction to lenacapavir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed on the prescription label. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses can make the HIV virus resistant to this and other medications. Keep taking this therapy unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin
• Rifampin
• St. John's Wort

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain antivirals for HIV
• Certain medications for cholesterol, such as lovastatin, simvastatin
• Certain medications for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
• Certain medications for pain, such as buprenorphine, fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone, tramadol
• Certain medications for seizures, such as oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital
• Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as dabigatran, edoxaban, rivaroxaban
• Digoxin
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Midazolam
• Naloxegol
• Rifabutin
• Rifapentine
• Steroid medications, such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone
• Triazolam

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medication.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your care team about how to stop the spread of HIV.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Hardening or thickening of tissue at injection site
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.