lenacapavir sodium at a glance
Class
HIV-1 capsid inhibitor
Licensed role
Combination treatment for selected adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1
Forms
Oral tablets and a subcutaneous injection administered by a healthcare professional
Food
Tablets may be taken with or without food
What is lenacapavir sodium used for?
The selected products are licensed for:
Treatment, with other antiretrovirals, of adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection when it is otherwise not possible to construct a suppressive antiviral regimen.
How does lenacapavir sodium work?
Lenacapavir binds between proteins forming the HIV-1 capsid, the protective shell around the virus's genetic material. It disrupts several stages of viral replication, including entry of viral DNA into the cell nucleus, release of new virus and formation of a functional capsid.
lenacapavir sodium preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 300 mg
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 464 mg
How to take lenacapavir sodium
Tablets are taken by mouth. The injection is administered by a healthcare professional.
Swallow tablets whole; do not chew, crush or split them.
Tablets may be taken with or without food.
The injection is given under the skin of the abdomen and is not self-administered.
lenacapavir sodium side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain, swelling, redness, itching, bruising, hardness or a lump; some lumps resolve slowly or persist
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening inflammatory or infection symptoms associated with immune reconstitution
- Injection-site ulceration, necrosis or another severe tissue reaction
lenacapavir sodium in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. The product information advises avoiding lenacapavir as a precaution unless treatment is clinically required. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive promptly with the specialist HIV and maternity teams.
lenacapavir sodium while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether lenacapavir enters human milk. The product information recommends not breastfeeding to avoid HIV transmission. UK public-health guidance describes formula feeding as the safest option; anyone wishing to breastfeed should seek early specialist multidisciplinary advice and close monitoring.
lenacapavir sodium interactions
A complete review of prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products is essential. Important examples include:
Rifampicin
Contraindicated because it can markedly lower lenacapavir exposure, risking treatment failure and resistance.
Carbamazepine or phenytoin
Contraindicated because strong enzyme induction can substantially reduce lenacapavir exposure.
Common questions about lenacapavir sodium
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is lenacapavir sodium used for in the UK?
It is licensed with other antiretrovirals for adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 when a suppressive regimen cannot otherwise be constructed.
Is lenacapavir sodium licensed for HIV prevention in the UK?
Not in the selected product information. These products are licensed for treatment of specific adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1, not pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.