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Home > Drug Category > AIDS Medications, HIV Treatments > Biktarvy and Equivalent

Biktarvy Information

Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription medicine that is used without other human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 31 pounds (14 kg); who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past; or to replace their current HIV-1 medicines for people whose healthcare provider determines that they meet certain requirements. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Biktarvy contains the medicines bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. This combination helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. Bictegravir is from a class of medications called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are from the class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Biktarvy Side Effects

The most common side effects of Biktarvy may include headache; diarrhea and nausea. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Changes in your immune system;
• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure;
• Severe liver problems;
• Too much lactic acid in your blood (weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, a fast or abnormal heartbeat).

Biktarvy Precautions

Do not use Biktarvy if you are allergic to bictegravir, emtricitabine, or tenofovir alafenamide or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you also take a medicine that contains dofetilide or rifampin. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history including if you have liver problems, including HBV infection; kidney problems; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed or if you use alcohol. Do not breastfeed if you take Biktarvy. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Biktarvy and other medications. You should not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider's care during treatment with this medicine.

Do I need a prescription to order Biktarvy?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Biktarvy.