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COMBINATION DRUG
Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and children weighing at least 14 kilograms.
These insights are based on 2,732 comments about Biktarvy from myHIVteam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Benefits:
Considerations:
Biktarvy is an antiretroviral medicine. It contains three drugs — bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide — that block steps HIV-1 needs to make copies of itself. This helps lower the amount of HIV-1 in the body.
Biktarvy is a complete HIV-1 treatment regimen for adults and children who weigh at least 14 kilograms. It may be used in people who:
HIV-1 is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Biktarvy is taken by mouth once daily, with or without food.
Adults and children who weigh at least 25 kilograms take one tablet containing:
Children who weigh at least 14 kilograms but less than 25 kilograms take one tablet containing:
A child who cannot swallow the smaller tablet whole may take it in split parts. All parts must be swallowed within about 10 minutes.
For pregnant people who are virally suppressed on a stable treatment regimen and have no known resistance to the ingredients in Biktarvy, the recommended dose is one tablet containing 50 milligrams of bictegravir, 200 milligrams of emtricitabine, and 25 milligrams of tenofovir alafenamide once daily. Viral load should be watched closely during pregnancy.
Biktarvy is not recommended for some people with severe kidney problems. It is also not recommended for people with severe liver impairment.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 2,732 comments about Biktarvy from myHIVteam members.
Members who use Biktarvy often say that consistency, close communication with their HIV care team, and close attention to side effects matter most. Many also describe watching lab results over time, asking about medication timing or interactions, and planning ahead for refills and costs.
Take Biktarvy every day and try not to miss doses.
“The key is taking your med(s) every day as dosing requires. I take Biktarvy and I’m done for the day.”
Get blood work and follow your lab trends.
“My blood work is checked every several months and has been good so far.”
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines and supplements.
“My pharmacist helped me make some med adjustments. Taking Biktarvy with some other medications and supplements may cause side effects.”
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In clinical studies of Biktarvy, the most common side effects occurred in about 3 percent to 6 percent of people. These include:
Biktarvy can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Gilead Sciences, Inc, the manufacturer of Biktarvy, offers the Gilead Advancing Access Co-Pay Savings Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 for their copay.
The Gilead Advancing Access Program also offers help understanding insurance coverage, navigating changes in insurance, and accessing available financial assistance options.
To learn more, visit the Gilead Advancing Access Program website or call 800-226-2056.
Before starting Biktarvy, your doctor will test for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and check kidney functions.
Before taking Biktarvy, tell your healthcare provider if you have liver or kidney problems.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide or any ingredients in Biktarvy.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take Biktarvy with dofetilide or rifampin.
Do not miss Biktarvy doses. Missing doses or stopping Biktarvy, even for a short time, may increase the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. The virus may also become resistant and harder to treat. Refill your prescription before you run out.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. A pregnancy exposure registry collects information about the health of people who take Biktarvy during pregnancy and their babies. Healthcare providers can register pregnancies by visiting the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry website or calling 800-258-4263.
Talk with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding. Breastfeeding may pass HIV-1 to a child who does not have HIV-1. It may also make HIV-1 harder to treat in a child who has HIV-1. A breastfed child may also have side effects similar to those seen in adults.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Biktarvy for HIV?
In two clinical trials of adults starting HIV-1 treatment, 82 percent of people taking Biktarvy had an HIV-1 RNA level below 50 copies per milliliter at week 144.
In adults who were already virally suppressed and switched to Biktarvy, 92 percent had HIV-1 RNA below 50 copies per milliliter at week 48 in one study. In another study, 94 percent had HIV-1 RNA below 50 copies per milliliter at week 48.
Studies in children and teens who were already virally suppressed also measured how many stayed suppressed at week 24 or week 48. Results varied by age and weight group.
How long does Biktarvy take to work for HIV?
The studies do not give one exact amount of time for Biktarvy to work in every person. Clinical studies measured viral load at set times, such as week 24, week 48, and week 144.
Your healthcare provider may check the amount of HIV-1 in your blood over time to see how well Biktarvy is working. This is called your viral load.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Biktarvy for HIV?
Before or when starting Biktarvy, your healthcare provider should test you for HBV. Your provider may also check your kidney health before and during treatment. These tests may include:
These tests help show how well your kidneys are working.
If you have chronic kidney disease, your provider should also check the phosphorus level in your blood.
On myHIVteam, people share their experiences with HIV, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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