HIV Vaccine in Lagos — Lenacapavir HIV Prevention Injection

What Is Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir (brand name Sunlenca, manufactured by Gilead Sciences) is a long-acting HIV capsid inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein that HIV needs to replicate inside the body. When administered as a subcutaneous injection, it maintains protective drug levels in the body for up to six months.

In 2024, clinical trial data confirmed that Lenacapavir reduced new HIV infections by approximately 96% compared to a daily oral PrEP regimen — making it one of the most effective HIV prevention tools ever studied. The injection is administered under the skin (subcutaneously), typically in the abdomen.

Lenacapavir functions as both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis — taken before potential exposure to prevent infection) and in some dosing contexts as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Your ExCare pharmacist will advise on the correct application for your situation.

How It Compares to Other HIV Prevention Options

There are several HIV prevention medications available. Lenacapavir is the newest and longest-acting. Here is how it compares to other options you may have heard of:

Who Should Consider Lenacapavir?

Lenacapavir is appropriate for HIV-negative adults who have an ongoing risk of HIV exposure and would benefit from a long-acting option that does not require daily pill-taking. You may be a suitable candidate if:

• You have difficulty taking a daily oral medication consistently
• You want maximum protection with minimal daily disruption to your routine
• You have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive or of unknown status
• You do not consistently use condoms during sex
• You are a man who has sex with men (MSM)
• You use injectable drugs or share needles
• You are a sex worker or have multiple sexual partners
• You are a healthcare worker with potential occupational exposure risk

If you are unsure whether Lenacapavir is appropriate for you, our pharmacists will assess your individual situation confidentially. No referral is needed to start the conversation.

The Process at ExCare Health

Getting Lenacapavir at ExCare Health is a straightforward process. Here is what to expect from first contact to your first injection.

HIV Testing at ExCare Health

An HIV test is required before your first Lenacapavir injection and at every six-month follow-up. This is a clinical requirement, not optional. Starting Lenacapavir without confirming HIV-negative status is medically unsafe and can lead to drug resistance.

D-Rock Laboratory, operating under ExCare Health, provides confidential HIV testing at all our locations. Results are handled with complete discretion. You can arrange your HIV test and Lenacapavir consultation in the same visit.

Confidentiality

Seeking HIV prevention is a personal and private decision. At ExCare Health, your consultation, test results, and medication history are handled with complete confidentiality. Our pharmacists do not share your information with anyone outside your care without your explicit consent.

You do not need to explain or justify your reasons for seeking HIV prevention. Our team is trained to provide care without judgement, and you can speak with us privately at any of our branches or by contacting us via phone or WhatsApp before your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lenacapavir the same as the HIV vaccine?
Lenacapavir is not a vaccine in the traditional sense — it does not contain a virus or work through the immune system the way vaccines like yellow fever or hepatitis B do. It is a long-acting antiretroviral injection that prevents HIV from infecting your body. In Nigeria, many people refer to it as the 'HIV vaccine' because it provides similar long-lasting protection. The result is the same: you are protected from HIV.

How often do I need the injection?
Lenacapavir is administered as a subcutaneous injection every six months (twice a year). Consistent six-monthly dosing is essential to maintain full protection. Our team will contact you when your next injection is due.

Does it hurt?
The injection is administered under the skin (subcutaneously), typically in the abdomen. You may feel a brief sting and some mild swelling or firmness at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days. Serious injection site reactions are uncommon.

Do I still need to use condoms if I am on Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir protects against HIV only. It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, or herpes. Using condoms alongside Lenacapavir provides the broadest protection against both HIV and other STIs.

What if I miss my six-month appointment?
Contact ExCare Health as soon as possible. Missing your injection significantly reduces your protection against HIV. Do not have unprotected sex if your six-month injection is overdue. Our pharmacist will advise on the safest course of action.

Can women take Lenacapavir?
Yes. Clinical trial data includes results for women and shows high effectiveness. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak with our pharmacist for specific guidance.

What if I think I was exposed to HIV and I am not on Lenacapavir?
You need PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) — emergency HIV prevention medication that must be started within 72 hours of exposure. Contact ExCare Health immediately or go to the nearest emergency facility. Do not wait.

Is Lenacapavir available at all ExCare Health branches?
Yes, Lenacapavir is available at all five ExCare Health locations across Lagos and Ogun State.

How much does it cost?
Contact our customer care team via phone or WhatsApp for current pricing.