sunlenca
Pharmaranks rates Sunlenca 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Sunlenca (Lenacapavir Sodium) is a medication supplied as a tablet, film coated and kit.
Lenacapavir Sodium · by Gilead Sciences Inc
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Lenacapavir Sodium
- Form
- Tablet, Kit
- Strength
- Lenacapavir Sodium EQ 463.5MG BASE/1.5ML (EQ 309MG BASE/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Gilead Sciences Inc
- Half-life
- about 10 to 12 days after an oral dose; about 8 to 12 weeks after the subcutaneous injection (how long it stays in your system)
- FDA application
- NDA215973
What is Sunlenca?
From the FDA label:SUNLENCA tablets and SUNLENCA injection contain lenacapavir sodium, a capsid inhibitor. The chemical name of lenacapavir sodium is: Sodium (4-chloro-7-(2-(( S )-1-(2-((3b S ,4a R )-5,5-difluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-3b,4,4a,5-tetrahydro-1 H -cyclopropa[3,4]cyclopenta[1,2- c ]pyrazol-1-yl)acetamido)-2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)ethyl)-6-(3-methyl-3-(methylsulfonyl)but-1-yn-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1 H -indazol-3-yl)(methylsulfonyl)amide. Lenacapavir sodium has a molecular formula of C 39 H 31 ClF 10 N 7 NaO 5 S 2, a molecular weight of 990.3, and the following structural formula: Lenacapavir sodium is a light yellow to yellow solid and is practically insoluble in water. Chemical Structure SUNLENCA tablets are for oral administration. Each film-coated tablet contains 300 mg of lenacapavir (present as 306.8 mg lenacapavir sodium) and the following inactive ingredients: copovidone, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and poloxamer 407. The tablets are film-coated with a coating material containing iron oxide black, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide. SUNLENCA injection is for subcutaneous administration. Each single-dose vial contains 463.5 mg/1.5 mL (309 mg/mL) of lenacapavir (present as 473.1 mg/1.5 mL of lenacapavir sodium) as a sterile, preservative-free,…
How to use
Sunlenca is sold in more than one form (Tablet and Kit), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA215973 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
Recommended dosage – Initiation with one of two options followed by once every 6 months maintenance injection dosing. Tablets may be taken without regard to food. ( 2.2 ) Initiation Option 1 Day 1 927 mg by subcutaneous injection (2 × 1.5 mL injections) 600 mg orally (2 × 300 mg tablets) Day 2 600 mg orally (2 × 300 mg tablets) Initiation Option 2 Day 1 600 mg orally (2 × 300 mg tablets) Day 2 600 mg orally (2 × 300 mg tablets) Day 8 300 mg orally (1 × 300 mg tablet) Day 15 927 mg by subcutaneous injection (2 × 1.5 mL injections) Maintenance 927 mg by subcutaneous injection (2 × 1.5 mL injections) every 6 months (26 weeks) from the date of the last injection +/-2 weeks. Planned missed injections: If scheduled injection is to be missed by more than 2 weeks, SUNLENCA tablets may be used for oral bridging for up to 6 months until injections resume. Recommended dosage is 300 mg orally once every 7 days. ( 2.3 ) Unplanned missed injections: If more than 28 weeks have elapsed since last injection and tablets have not been taken for oral bridging, restart initiation from Day 1 (using Option 1 or Option 2) if clinically appropriate. ( 2.3 ) SUNLENCA injection is for subcutaneous administration only. Two 1.5 mL injections are required for complete dose. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Adherence to Treatment Regimen Prior to starting SUNLENCA, healthcare providers should carefully select patients who agree…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Immune Reconstitution Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Injection Site Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 3%, all grades) are nausea and injection site reactions. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Gilead Sciences, Inc. at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The primary safety assessment of SUNLENCA was based on data from heavily treatment-experienced adult participants with HIV who received SUNLENCA in a Phase 2/3 trial (CAPELLA; N=72) through Week 52 (median duration on study of 71 weeks) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] , as well as supportive data in treatment-naïve adult participants with HIV who received SUNLENCA in a Phase 2 trial (CALIBRATE; N=157) through Week 54 (median duration of exposure of 66 weeks). The most common adverse reactions (all Grades) reported in at least 3% of participants in CAPELLA were nausea and injection site reactions. The proportion of…
Warnings
Important safety information
Immune reconstitution syndrome: May necessitate further evaluation and treatment. ( 5.1 ) Residual concentrations of lenacapavir may remain in systemic circulation for up to 12 months or longer. Counsel patients regarding the dosing schedule; non-adherence could lead to loss of virologic response and development of resistance. ( 5.2 ) May increase exposure and risk of adverse reactions to drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A initiated within 9 months after the last subcutaneous dose of SUNLENCA. ( 5.2 ) If discontinued, initiate an alternative, fully suppressive antiretroviral regimen where possible no later than 28 weeks after the final injection of SUNLENCA. If virologic failure occurs, switch to an alternative regimen if possible. ( 5.2 ) Injection site reactions may occur, and nodules and indurations may be persistent. Improper administration (intradermal injection) has been associated with serious injection site reactions. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Immune Reconstitution Syndrome Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections [such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), or tuberculosis], which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment. Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment. 5.2 Long-Acting Properties and Potential Associated Risks with SUNLENCA Residual concentrations of lenacapavir may remain in the systemic circulation of patients for prolonged periods (up to 12 months or longer after the last subcutaneous dose). It is important to counsel patients that maintenance dosing by injection is required every 6 months, because missed doses or non-adherence to injections could lead to loss of virologic response and development of resistance [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Lenacapavir, a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, may increase the exposure to, and therefore potential risk of adverse reactions from, drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A initiated within 9 months after the last subcutaneous dose of SUNLENCA [see Drug Interactions and Clinical Pharmacology (7.2 , 12.3) ] . If SUNLENCA is discontinued, to minimize the potential risk of developing viral resistance, it is essential to initiate an alternative, fully suppressive antiretroviral regimen where possible no later than 28 weeks after the final injection of SUNLENCA. If virologic failure occurs during treatment, switch the patient to an alternative regimen if possible [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. 5.3 Injection Site Reactions Administration of SUNLENCA may result in local injection site reactions (ISRs). If clinically significant ISRs occur, evaluate and institute appropriate therapy and follow-up. Manifestations of ISRs may include swelling, pain, erythema, nodule, induration, pruritus, extravasation or mass. Nodules and indurations at the injection site may take longer to resolve than other ISRs. In clinical studies, after a median follow-up of 553 days, 30% of nodules and 13% of indurations (in 10% and 1% of participants, respectively) associated with the first injections of SUNLENCA had not fully resolved. Measurements and qualitative assessments of ISRs were not routinely reported. Where described, the majority of the injection site nodules and indurations were palpable but not visible, and had a maximum size of approximately 1 to 4 cm [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . The mechanism driving the persistence of injection site nodules and indurations in some patients is not fully understood, but based on available data, they may be related to the presence of the subcutaneous drug depot. In some patients who had a skin biopsy performed of an injection site nodule or induration, dermatopathology revealed foreign body inflammation or granulomatous response. Improper administration (intradermal injection) has been associated with serious injection site reactions, including necrosis and ulcer [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Ensure SUNLENCA is only administered subcutaneously in the abdomen [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] .
Who should not take Sunlenca
Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with strong CYP3A inducers is contraindicated due to decreased lenacapavir plasma concentrations, which may result in the loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance to SUNLENCA [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA is contraindicated with strong CYP3A inducers. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
No data are available on overdose of SUNLENCA in patients. If overdose occurs, monitor the patient for evidence of toxicity. Treatment of overdose with SUNLENCA consists of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs as well as observation of the clinical status of the patient. As lenacapavir is highly bound to plasma proteins, it is unlikely to be significantly removed by dialysis.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Consult the Full Prescribing Information prior to and during treatment for important drug interactions. ( 4 , 7 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on SUNLENCA Lenacapavir is a substrate of P-gp, UGT1A1, and CYP3A. Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inducers Drugs that are strong or moderate inducers of CYP3A may significantly decrease plasma concentrations of lenacapavir [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may result in loss of therapeutic effect of SUNLENCA and development of resistance. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with strong CYP3A inducers during SUNLENCA treatment is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with moderate CYP3A inducers during SUNLENCA treatment is not recommended. Combined P-gp, UGT1A1, and Strong CYP3A Inhibitors Combined P-gp, UGT1A1, and strong CYP3A inhibitors may significantly increase plasma concentrations of SUNLENCA. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with these inhibitors is not recommended. 7.2 Effect of SUNLENCA on Other Drugs Lenacapavir is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A. Due to the long half-life of lenacapavir following subcutaneous administration, SUNLENCA may increase the exposure of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP3A [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] initiated within 9 months after the last subcutaneous dose of SUNLENCA, which may increase the potential risk of adverse reactions. See the prescribing information of the sensitive CYP3A substrate for dosing recommendations with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A. 7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 5 provides a listing of clinically significant drug interactions with recommended prevention or management strategies, but is not all inclusive. The drug interactions described are based on studies conducted with SUNLENCA or are drug interactions that may occur with SUNLENCA [see Contraindications (4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 5 Drug Interactions with SUNLENCA Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration ↑ = Increase, ↓ = Decrease. Clinical Comment Antiarrhythmics: digoxin ↑ digoxin Use with caution and monitor digoxin therapeutic concentration. Anticoagulants: Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) rivaroxaban dabigatran edoxaban ↑ DOAC Refer to the DOAC prescribing information for concomitant administration with moderate CYP3A inhibitors and/or P-gp inhibitors. Anticonvulsants: carbamazepine oxcarbazepine phenobarbital phenytoin ↓ lenacapavir Concomitant administration of carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with carbamazepine or phenytoin is contraindicated. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with oxcarbazepine or phenobarbital is not recommended. Consider use of alternative anticonvulsants. Antiretroviral Agents: atazanavir/cobicistat Drug-drug interaction study was conducted. atazanavir/ritonavir ↑ lenacapavir (atazanavir/cobicistat, atazanavir/ritonavir) Concomitant administration of efavirenz, nevirapine, or tipranavir/ritonavir may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. efavirenz nevirapine tipranavir/ritonavir ↓ lenacapavir (efavirenz, nevirapine, tipranavir/ritonavir) Concomitant administration with atazanavir/cobicistat, atazanavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, nevirapine, or tipranavir/ritonavir is not recommended. Antimycobacterials: rifabutin rifampin rifapentine ↓ lenacapavir Concomitant administration of rifabutin, rifampin and rifapentine may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with rifampin is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with rifabutin or rifapentine is not recommended. Corticosteroids (systemic): cortisone/hydrocortisone dexamethasone ↑ corticosteroids (systemic) Concomitant administration with systemic corticosteroids whose exposures are significantly increased by CYP3A inhibitors can increase the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Initiate with the lowest starting dose and titrate carefully while monitoring for safety. ↓ lenacapavir (dexamethasone) Concomitant administration of systemic dexamethasone may result in loss of therapeutic effect of lenacapavir and development of resistance. Alternative corticosteroids to dexamethasone should be considered, particularly for long-term use. Ergot derivatives: dihydroergotamine ergotamine methylergonovine ↑ dihydroergotamine ↑ ergotamine ↑ methylergonovine Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with dihydroergotamine, ergotamine or methylergonovine is not recommended. Herbal Products: St. John's wort The induction potency of St. John's wort may vary widely based on preparation. (Hypericum perforatum) ↓ lenacapavir Concomitant administration of St. John's wort may result in loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance. Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with St. John's wort is contraindicated. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin simvastatin ↑ lovastatin ↑ simvastatin Initiate lovastatin and simvastatin with the lowest starting dose and titrate carefully while monitoring for safety (e.g., myopathy). Narcotic analgesics metabolized by CYP3A: e.g., fentanyl, oxycodone ↑ fentanyl ↑ oxycodone Careful monitoring of therapeutic effects and adverse reactions associated with CYP3A-metabolized narcotic analgesics (including potentially fatal respiratory depression) is recommended with co-administration. tramadol ↑ tramadol A decrease in dose may be needed for tramadol with concomitant use. Narcotic analgesic for treatment of opioid dependence: buprenorphine, methadone buprenorphine: effects unknown methadone: effects unknown Initiation of buprenorphine or methadone in patients taking SUNLENCA: Carefully titrate the dose of buprenorphine or methadone to the desired effect; use the lowest feasible initial or maintenance dose. Initiation of SUNLENCA in patients taking buprenorphine or methadone: A dose adjustment for buprenorphine or methadone may be needed. Monitor clinical signs and symptoms. Opioid Antagonist: naloxegol ↑ naloxegol Avoid use with SUNLENCA; if unavoidable, decrease the dosage of naloxegol and monitor for adverse reactions. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors: sildenafil tadalafil vardenafil ↑ PDE-5 inhibitors Use of PDE-5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Concomitant administration of SUNLENCA with tadalafil for the treatment of PAH is not recommended. Use of PDE-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction (ED): Refer to the prescribing information of PDE-5 inhibitors for dose recommendations. Sedatives/Hypnotics: midazolam (oral) triazolam ↑ midazolam (oral) ↑ triazolam Use with caution when midazolam or triazolam is concomitantly administered with SUNLENCA 7.4 Drugs without Clinically Significant Interactions with SUNLENCA Based on drug interaction studies conducted with SUNLENCA, no clinically significant drug interactions have been observed with: darunavir/cobicistat, cobicistat, famotidine, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, tenofovir alafenamide, and voriconazole.
How long does Lenacapavir Sodium stay in your body?
The elimination half-life of lenacapavir sodium is about 10 to 12 days after an oral dose; about 8 to 12 weeks after the subcutaneous injection — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. Elimination (apparent terminal) half-life from Table 8 of §12.3. Two very different numbers because the routes differ: oral gives ~10-12 days, but the subcutaneous injection (the Yeztugo product) forms a slow-release depot (Tmax 77-84 days), so its apparent half-life is ~8-12 weeks — this is absorption-limited (flip-flop) kinetics, which is why one dose lasts ~6 months. Not a prodrug and no active metabolite that outlasts the parent: no single circulating metabolite accounted for more than 10% of drug-related exposure, and 69% of plasma drug is unchanged parent. Per the label, there are no clinically significant PK differences by age, or with severe renal impairment (CrCl 15 to <30 mL/min) or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B); the effect of end-stage renal disease/dialysis and of severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) is unknown, though dialysis is not expected to change exposure since the drug is >98.5% protein-bound.
This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: YEZTUGO (lenacapavir) FDA label — DailyMed, §12.3 Pharmacokinetics, Table 8.
Dosage forms
Tablet and Kit
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- How is Sunlenca rated?
- pharmaranks gives Sunlenca a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Sunlenca?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Sunlenca. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Sunlenca?
- Sunlenca is marketed by Gilead Sciences Inc. You can see Gilead Sciences Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Sunlenca a brand-name or generic drug?
- Sunlenca is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Lenacapavir Sodium.
- Is Sunlenca available over the counter?
- No. Sunlenca is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Sunlenca come in?
- Sunlenca is currently marketed as tablet and kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Sunlenca FDA-registered?
- Sunlenca is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA215973. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Sunlenca been recalled by the FDA?
- Sunlenca has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Sunlenca safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Sunlenca a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Sunlenca?
- Sunlenca's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Immune Reconstitution Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Injection Site Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 3%,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
Compare Sunlenca head-to-head
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
sunlenca
70/100