A Nigerian nurse has posted a video on social media displaying a skin reaction that one of her colleagues allegedly developed after receiving lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug used for HIV prevention. The nurse, who remains unnamed, emphasized that the adverse effect is not typical and that both she and her roommate tolerated the injection without any issues.
The Reported Reaction
In the video, which has garnered significant attention, the nurse shows what appears to be a localized skin reaction—redness, swelling, and possibly blistering—at the injection site. She states in the clip: “One of my colleagues took the HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, and started experiencing this reaction shortly after.” The footage has sparked discussions among viewers about the safety profile of the drug, which is relatively new in HIV prevention protocols.
Nurse’s Personal Experience and Advice
The nurse clarified that the reaction should not deter people from considering lenacapavir as a prevention option. She explained that she and her roommate had received the same injection and experienced no adverse effects whatsoever. “This does not mean everyone who takes the injection will experience similar side effects,” she stressed. “Some medications can cause side effects or uncommon adverse reactions in certain people, which is why anyone taking the injection should be monitored by a healthcare professional.”
She strongly advised individuals who notice any unusual signs after receiving lenacapavir to report their symptoms immediately to the healthcare provider or the facility where they received the injection. This recommendation aligns with standard medical guidelines for any new medication.
Understanding Lenacapavir
Lenacapavir is a capsid inhibitor approved for HIV treatment and prevention. Unlike daily oral pills, it is administered as a subcutaneous injection every six months, offering a convenient alternative for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). While clinical trials have reported injection-site reactions as a common side effect—occurring in a minority of participants—severe reactions like the one shown in the video are rare. The nurse’s account serves as a real-world example that healthcare providers should be prepared to manage such cases.
Healthcare Monitoring Essential
Medical professionals emphasize that any new medication, especially long-acting injectables, requires careful follow-up. The nurse’s call for monitoring underscores the importance of post-injection observation. In the video, she notes that her colleague sought medical attention promptly. The incident highlights the need for patients to be informed about potential risks and for clinics to have protocols in place to handle adverse events.
As lenacapavir becomes more widely adopted, public health officials stress that the benefits of HIV prevention far outweigh the risks for most individuals. The nurse’s testimony adds a cautionary but balanced perspective: reactions can occur, but they are not the norm, and professional oversight ensures safety.
